Residents in a north Manchester neighbourhood watched on in horror this evening as flames tore through a beloved ex-social club that had been standing derelict.
Fire crews were scrambled to Sulby Street in Moston at 4:20pm on Sunday (May 14) to reports of a fire in a derelict building which was once home to St Luke's Social Club. Police closed a number of roads in the area and advised residents to stay in their homes as crews worked to tackle the blaze.
Billowing black smoke could be seen for miles as residents told the Manchester Evening News they were unable to see down their streets. Twelve homes were rendered unsafe during the blaze, with residents forced to evacuate.
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"It was shocking because when it started it didn't look that big," one man said. "It was just a bit of white smoke.
"But then it built up and built up and went black and all hell broke loose. Our whole street was covered."
Other residents reacted with sadness at the loss of a building which had played host to precious memories for them. "I had so many great nights in St Luke's," one woman said. "I'm really, really shocked. It's sad."
Fire crews continued work throughout the evening, using a turntable special appliance, a mobile command unit, a high volume pump, and the fire service drone to extinguish the flames.
One mother stood watching the blaze with her two children. "It's terrible," she said. "I hope everyone is okay."
The M.E.N understands that nobody was inside the building. Four of the 12 evacuated households have since been able to return home.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 4.20 this afternoon Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service received the first of many 999 calls reporting a fire in a derelict building on Sulby Street in Moston.
"Five fire engines from across Greater Manchester, plus a turntable special appliance, a mobile command unit, a high volume pump, and the fire service drone, are all on the scene working together to extinguish the fire and keep everybody safe.
"Manchester Council, Cadent Gas, United Utilities and the Environment Agency are also at the scene to support firefighters. Greater Manchester Police have closed several roads around the incident.
"Although the fire is contained to a derelict building, it is in a built up area and there are some neighbours impacted by this incident. 12 homes are temporarily unsafe due to the presence of smoke. Firefighters have been visiting nearby people to ensure they are safe and well while the fire is brought under control.
"We urge all people in the local area to keep their doors and windows closed until this incident is resolved."
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