HUGE fire rages at The Christie hospital in Manchester

SIXTEEN FIRE ENGINES have been sent to tackle a huge fire that broke out earlier in the Paterson building at Manchester’s Christie Hospital.

Quays News reporter, Sophie Chadwick, describes the scene at the Christie

Firefighters are currently dealing with a huge fire at the Cancer Research UK building at Manchester’s Christie Hospital.

The Paterson building is used by the University of Manchester, in conjunction with Cancer Research UK, and is, according to a spokesperson for the charity, a leading cancer research institute.

The building was safely evacuated, and other, nearby buildings were also evacuated as a precaution.

Two aerial platforms have been deployed by the fire service to help fight the blaze from above.

Firefighters are tackling the blaze well at The Christie #christiehospita pic.twitter.com/gSdatcfgTN

— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) April 26, 2017

Jim Hutton, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue area manager, said: “The fire is now under control and the increase in engines at the scene is for the welfare of our firefighters to allow them regular relief from the incident, and to allow us access to more equipment.

“Crews continue to fight the fire and are doing a great job to minimise damage and prevent the fire from spreading further.

“There are no casualties and there is no need for the hospital to be evacuated.”

Greater Manchester Police have closed several roads in the area, including Palatine Road, Wilmslow Road and Cotton Lane

Earlier in the day, the fire service advised those who live in the surrounding area to ensure that all doors and windows were closed to prevent smoke inhalation.

They also advised that motorists driving through the area to keep their windows and air vents closed.

The following advice was issued by Public Health England: “People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual.”

The general advice therefore remains that if possible people should try to remain out of the smoke. If you have any concerns about the smoke’s impact on your health please call your GP surgery for advice, following any instructions for out of hours services, or contact the NHS 111 service (which is free from both landlines and mobiles and open 24/7).