Picture shows aftermath of Bolton town centre business unit fire

The blaze broke out at around 6.50pm at a commercial site on Brown Street with around 10 fire engines reportedly spotted at the height of the incident.

A large plume of smoke could be seen across the town as it travelled into the town centre.

Residents were told to keep their windows and doors closed and section of Brown Street was shut off between Manor Street and Well Street.

No-one was reported to have been injured in the incident.

READ > Fire breaks out in Bolton town centre - residents urged to keep windows closed

Police were also in attendance with the cause of the fire not yet known.

Martin Brocklehurst, watch manager at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, who was in charge of the incident overnight, said: “Thanks to the speedy response and hard work of our crews, we were able to get on top of this incident quickly, reducing the response from eight fire appliances to two overnight. 

“The fire involved a commercial unit on Brown Street, Bolton and was generating a large plume of smoke, which was travelling in the direction of the town centre.

“Crews used specialist equipment including breathing apparatus, thermal imaging camera and respiratory protection equipment to get the fire under control. 

“One fire engine remains this morning to dampen down any remaining hotspots and the smoke has now dissipated. 

“We would also like to thank colleagues at Greater Manchester Police, Electricity North West and Cadent Gas for their support throughout this incident.”

Greater Manchester Police has been approached for information.