Demolition begins at fire-hit former mill

IN RUINS . . . Maple Mill as demolition starts

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DEMOLITION work over the weekend has seen Maple Mill almost completely levelled following last week's huge fire.

Firefighters remained on the scene at the Cardwell Street mill throughout the weekend with crew members using aerial appliances to put water on pockets of fire from above.

All residents who had been evacuated in the early hours of Thursday morning were allowed to return home, 36 hours after the blaze began.

Fire investigation are working with Greater Manchester Police on a joint investigation into cause of the fire.

Demolition company D Hughes Demolition & Excavation Ltd worked throughout the weekend to demolish walls and structures at Maple Mill, enabling the firefighters to gain better access to the site to extinguish the remaining areas of fire.

Group Manager Paul Starling said: "One of the challenges we face at the moment is that when the building is demolished, there is nowhere for the rubble to go. This causes small hot spots to be hidden under debris which can cause a long and protracted incident."

He added that firefighters are expected to remain on site into this week.

There is still smoke in the area so fire crews are still continuing to urge people to keep doors and windows closed.

During the major incident community safety staff in Oldham worked hard to support residents and businesses affected by the Maple Mill fire, including supporting Oldham Council at the Honeywell Centre helping to provide refreshments and advice to residents.

Staff have also been providing the most vulnerable residents with GMFRS winter warmth bags, which include blankets, hats and hot water bottles and helped to transport residents back to their homes in one of the GMFRS electric vehicles.

More than 30 nearby businesses were advice on how to stay safe and resilient during an emergency by business safety advisers and fire safety officers.

Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority said: "An incident as large as Maple Mill has a huge impact on the community.

"While our firefighters have been working tirelessly to tackle the blaze, our support staff have been making a difference at the heart of their community.

"Residents who have been unable to get to their homes have benefited from our winter warmth packs and scores of homes will be offered Safe and Well Visits in the coming days."

Pennine Pen Animal Rescue have appealed for help after their grounds were covered in ash from the fire.

In a Facebook appeal they said: "We have had a massive clean up operation and sadly everything in our cat runs has been ruined."