Tesco grocery store ‘closed’ as large blaze sparks main evacuation of 45 houses

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been on the scene of a major fire at an industrial estate in Greenfield, near Oldham, which has sparked home evacuations and a Tesco supermarket to close

Firefighters are tackling a huge blaze at an industrial site in Saddleworth

A major supermarket has confirmed it has been forced close due to a huge fire in the area as dozens of homes have been forced to evacuate.

Firefighters are tackling a huge blaze at an industrial site in Saddleworth after residents have reported seeing huge plumes of smoke on Chew Valley Road in Greenfield this morning (August 16).

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the fire has started at an industrial premises near to the Tesco supermarket in the village and were called to the scene at around 7:45am.

The Tesco store in Greenfield has been forced to temporarily close due to the fire after reportedly evacuating. The car park is now being used by fire crews battling the blaze.

A Tesco supermarket has been forced to close while firefighters tackle a major fire nearby (Image: MEN/ Ryan Jenkinson)

A spokesperson for Tesco said: “Our Greenfield Superstore is temporarily closed due to a fire nearby. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

The fire service have advised residents to “keep their windows and doors closed”.

According to the Manchester Evening News, 45 homes have been evacuated as a precaution on the neighbouring streets, Knoll Close and Wellington Road.

It is believed the Satellite Centre on Wellington Road has been opened up for those residents who have been evacuated from their homes.

Firefighters tackling the blaze at an industrial site in Greenfield(Image: Manchester Evening News)

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just after 7.45am on Sunday 16 August, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at an industrial building on Chew Valley Road, Greenfield.

“10 fire engines and a number of specialist appliances from across Greater Manchester are now in attendance, with firefighters working hard to bring the fire under control.

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“Due to the amount of smoke, nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed. A cordon is in place and people should avoid the area if possible.”

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