FIRE crews from across Greater Manchester battled a huge fire at an industrial yard in Irlam, last night.

The blaze broke out at around 7pm yesterday in Brinell Drive and took almost four hours to bring under control as flames engulfed the yard, forcing nearby streets to close.

At its height the fire involving wooden pallets and tyres measured 10 metres by 50 metres and spread to multiple commercial lorries and forklift trucks — many of whose tyres exploded.

Smoke was sent billowing from the inferno into nearby areas, and residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

As the fire raged it was feared gas cannisters in the yard may also explode and fire crews were forced to controlled them with water. 

Around 15 fire engines and appliances were sent to tackle the flames and prevent the fire from spreading, including an aerial platform which fought the fire from a height.

The fire was eventually contained to the yard, but fire crews remained at the site over night with cooling jets and ground monitors to ensure the blaze was extinguished.

An investigation has since been launched by Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service into the cause of the fire.