A FIREFIGHTER has been seriously injured while tackling a major blaze at a derelict mill where the building collapsed.
Nine fire engines raced to the blaze at Pioneer Mill in Greater Manchester on Saturday evening.
Specialist vehicles including aerial appliances and a high-volume pump were also scrambled to the fire on Milltown Street, Radcliffe, at 7.50pm.
The fire caused part of the building to collapse in the early stages of the blaze, seriously injuring a firefighter.
They were treated by colleagues and the North West Ambulance Service before being rushed to hospital where they continue to receive treatment.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire has now been extinguished after tackling the blaze overnight.
They said: “Our crews arrived quickly at the scene, supported by additional resources from Lancashire and Cheshire fire and rescue services, and tackled the blaze overnight.
“The fire has now been extinguished but firefighters remain on the scene dampening down hot spots.
“In the early stages of the incident, one of our firefighters was seriously injured when part of the building collapsed.
“They were treated by fire service and North West Ambulance Service colleagues at the scene and subsequently taken to hospital, where they are currently being treated.”
Fire crews said they will remain at the side alongside Greater Manchester Police, Bury Council and the Environment Agency until the area was deemed safe.
A full investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Carlos Meakin said: “I’d like to thank our crews and emergency service colleagues for their professionalism, skill and bravery in responding to this extremely challenging incident, particularly the firefighters who worked through the night to bring the fire under control.
“All our thoughts and focus are with the firefighter, their family and fellow crew members, and we will continue to provide all the support they need at this difficult time.
“A full investigation into the incident, undertaken jointly with the Fire Brigade’s Union (FBU), is under way to identify any learning and help ensure all our firefighters are as safe as possible when dealing with the significant risks we face in our roles.
“This incident highlights the exceptional challenges and dangers firefighters face when working to protect our communities.”
Pioneer Mill has been left vacant for more than 20 years with previous fires breaking out at the site in recent years.
Councillor Glyn Marsden, of Radcliffe West, visited the scene alongside Councillor Ken Simpson, of Radcliffe West with both saying their thoughts are with the injured firefighter.
Talking on the safety at the mill, Marsden told The Bolton News: “It has been an issue for some time but when something horrific like this happens it expedites that.”
“It’s gone beyond safety now, I think they’re looking at partial demolition.”
Simpson posted an update to Facebook on Sunday afternoon which said: “Firefighters remain on scene damping down fires as they spring up. They’ll be here for a few days doing this.
“The firefighter injured by falling debris is stable but being treated for serious injuries.”
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