A major fire at Storage World in Middleton, Greater Manchester, has left dozens of families, businesses, and charities facing devastating losses. The blaze, which broke out on the evening of Wednesday, 18 June, quickly engulfed the large commercial storage facility, sending thick plumes of smoke over the town and prompting a significant emergency response. As the dust settles, the community is coming to terms with the scale of the destruction and the long road to recovery.
Fire Erupts at Storage World
The fire began around 4:50pm on Old Hall Street, Middleton. Within minutes, the flames had taken hold of the building, which housed hundreds of storage units used by local residents, small businesses, and charities. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) responded rapidly, deploying eight fire engines and specialist equipment to the scene. Firefighters worked through the night and into the following days, battling the blaze under challenging conditions.
By the next morning, the fire was still burning fiercely. The structure’s roof collapsed, making it too dangerous for crews to enter. Firefighters switched to defensive tactics, tackling the flames from outside and using aerial appliances to direct water onto the building. At the height of the incident, around 45 firefighters were on site, many wearing breathing apparatus due to the hazardous smoke.
Lithium Batteries and Safety Concerns
The fire is believed to have involved lithium-ion batteries, which can burn intensely and are notoriously difficult to extinguish. Their presence made the situation more complex for emergency crews and increased the risk of toxic fumes. As a precaution, residents living nearby were urged to keep windows and doors closed, while road closures remained in place for several days.
A spokesperson for GMFRS explained, “Due to the hazardous condition of the structure, firefighting efforts are being conducted from outside. We will continue collaborating with Rochdale Council and other agencies to assist local residents and businesses impacted by this incident”.
Building Set for Demolition
After nearly three days of relentless firefighting, the decision was made to demolish the building in stages. The structure was deemed unsafe, and partial demolition was necessary to fully extinguish the remaining pockets of fire and prevent further risk to the public and emergency personnel. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Barry Moore praised the crews for their tireless efforts and expressed condolences to those who suffered losses.
Impact on Businesses, Charities, and Individuals
The fire’s impact has been far-reaching. Storage World’s Middleton facility was home to a diverse range of customers, from families storing treasured possessions to small business owners and charities. Many have lost everything.
Jamie Lilley, co-founder of the Cold Hands Warm Hearts charity, revealed that all the group’s resources—including sleeping bags, warm clothing, and meal replacement drinks—were destroyed. The charity, which supports homeless people across Manchester, had no insurance for the losses. “Everything we possess was in that storage unit,” Lilley told BBC Radio Manchester. Despite the setback, the community rallied, raising £1,500 in a matter of days to help the charity rebuild.
Local businesses have also been hit hard. Georgia May Foote, a well-known actress from Coronation Street, ran her nail technician business from the facility. She described the loss as “devastating,” noting that years’ worth of equipment and stock had been destroyed. “Even though as beauticians we can move into a new space, our stock and tools, which we spend years collecting, have all gone. We can no longer work,” she said in a social media appeal for support.
For many, the loss is deeply personal. Anthony Davies, who was in the process of moving house, lost most of his possessions, including irreplaceable keepsakes from his late father. “It’s already challenging enough to move without this added stress. It’s quite distressing,” he explained. Other customers echoed his sentiments, mourning the loss of family photographs, heirlooms, and sentimental items that cannot be replaced by insurance.
Emergency Response and Community Resilience
The GMFRS response to the fire has been widely praised. Over the past year, the service has invested in new equipment and increased its operational capacity, with 52 fire appliances now available across Greater Manchester. The region has seen a 15% reduction in total fires over the past year, thanks in part to proactive prevention and community education efforts. However, incidents like the Storage World fire highlight the ongoing risks posed by commercial and industrial sites, especially those storing hazardous materials.
Despite the devastation, the community’s resilience has shone through. Fundraising campaigns have sprung up to support those affected, and local residents have offered to cook meals, donate supplies, and help businesses get back on their feet. “We will be able to rebuild much more quickly than when we first began because we have the support of the community,” said Lilley.
What Happens Next?
Storage World has assured customers that they will be contacted directly as soon as it is safe to assess the damage. The company has urged customers not to visit the site or contact them directly while emergency operations continue. The cordon remains in place, and demolition work is expected to continue over the coming days.
Authorities are also working with affected residents and businesses to provide support and guidance. Mental health support has been highlighted as a priority, with many customers describing the emotional toll of losing cherished possessions.
Fire Safety in Greater Manchester: A Continuing Challenge
The Storage World fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety, particularly in commercial storage facilities. While Greater Manchester has made significant progress in reducing fire incidents, the presence of hazardous materials like lithium batteries presents new challenges. The GMFRS continues to invest in prevention, education, and rapid response capabilities to protect the region’s growing population and diverse businesses.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the focus remains on supporting those affected and learning lessons to prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the people of Middleton and Greater Manchester are showing their strength in adversity, coming together to help neighbours, friends, and strangers rebuild their lives.
This ongoing story will continue to develop as authorities complete their investigation and the community begins the process of recovery. For the latest updates, tune into local news outlets and official GMFRS channels.
