They were called to the listed Bengal Mill on Cambrian Street, Ancoats, which is being converted into flats, after the fire broke out a 1am today.
No-one was reported to have been injured. The third-floor of the building was so badly damaged that it may have to be demolished. A fire service spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters arrived to find the third floor well alight and immediately called further fire engines to the scene.
"At the height of the fire, ten fire engines and three hydraulic platform vehicles were used."
Fire crews pumped water from the nearby canal as they battled to put out the flames. The spokesman added: "Bengal Mill is a listed building and work is underway to save as much of the building as possible. Firefighters worked extremely hard and managed to top the fire spreading to Union Mill.
"The ground floor of Bengal Mill was occupied prior to the fire, although no injuries have been reported."
Roads in the area were closed and drivers were being told to expect delays. Pollard Street East, Cambrian Street and Upper Helena Street are expected to be closed for some time. A fire service spokesman said the cause of the fire is under investigation but is being treated as suspicious at this stage. Tweet
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I wonder if it was insured.........?
ANOTHER block of unsaleable partially developed apartments is set on fire - very "interest"!
Oh no! Not another 'worked-stopped' mill/flat conversion up in smoke.
BTW, it isn't what you'd call the city centre is it?
is it me or does the headline "Arsonists start huge mill fire" seem a premature given the later statement "A fire service spokesman said the cause of the fire is under investigation"
I agree AngryMcNasty. After the fire the other month that caused Gt Ancoats Street to to be closed, and now this... mmmmm, very suspicious.
It seems to me that a certain news group needs to get the facts correct. Firstly the mill were not partially converted in to apartments and was not even close to beginning any type of conversion. Secondly there is a business trading from the mill and it is not unoccupied as stated in the article, and I know this because I work there!!!! Maybe people shouldn't be so quick to jump to conclusions!!!
ancoats as gone,,, to many toffee nosed,,, people there now,with the new posh houses called,,,, New Islington,,there trying to make manchester like london,,,,,ancoats r i p we will always rember it as ancoats,,