**Major Fire in Manchester City Centre Sparks Evacuations and Ash Fall**
A significant blaze erupted in Manchester’s city centre on the evening of 23 June 2025, sending plumes of smoke across the skyline and leading to emergency evacuations from surrounding buildings. The fire centred on the abandoned Hotspur Press building, a well-known relic near Oxford Road railway station, which was quickly engulfed by flames.
The incident began as locals noticed thick, dark smoke billowing above the town’s rooftops, visible from several miles away. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic and awe as the fire intensified, with large crowds gathering to observe emergency services at work. The intensity of the heat was apparent even from a distance, with some residents describing the sensation as “unsettling” and reporting that ash was literally “raining from the sky”.
One local, Georgie Docker, shared her experience after spotting the towering smoke cloud during her walk home from Albert Square. “By the time I reached the vicinity of Home cinema, the fire was already raging. Crowds had gathered, and I could feel the warmth coming off the blaze. The situation was frightening, especially as parts of the building started to give way,” she explained. “We’ve packed a bag just in case the evacuation order extends to our block.”
As the fire spread, emergency services moved swiftly to cordon off the affected area. Both Cambridge Street and Oxford Street were closed to traffic and pedestrians, while Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) deployed 20 fire engines in a concerted effort to bring the fire under control. Specialist crews used multiple hoses and aerial units, working tirelessly to prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent structures.
Anxieties in the area were heightened by warnings that asbestos might be present in the burning building’s fabric, with police officers instructing people to cover their mouths and noses as a precaution. Manchester Evening News reporter Greta Simpson, who was on the scene, reported that her voice had already grown hoarse from the heavy smoke, emphasising the enormity of the situation. She described how “streets were blanketed by thick smoke and ash that drifted down like snow”.
Train services at Oxford Road station were suspended as a safety measure, causing travel disruptions across central Manchester. Many residents from nearby apartment blocks, including those at 1 Cambridge Street, were told to evacuate as an additional precaution. Fire crews confirmed that all floors of at least two residential buildings had been cleared to ensure public safety.
Residents such as Michael Raw expressed astonishment at the scale of the incident. On his way home from work, he was struck by the enormity of the smoke clouds, which he said “completely blotted out the view of surrounding buildings”. He noted that even the high-visibility attire worn by firefighters wasn’t enough to make them visible through the densest smoke.
Images and videos emerging from the scene showed the historic Hotspur Press building deteriorating rapidly under the assault of the flames, with parts of the derelict structure collapsing into the inferno. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fire, but a full investigation is promised once the situation is under control.
A spokesperson for GMFRS praised the quick collaborative response among emergency services, saying, “Crews are working tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. The safety of the public remains our top priority, and we continue to urge people to avoid the area for the time being.”
The full impact of the incident is still being assessed, with ongoing disruption expected in the city centre. Local authorities are encouraging anyone affected to stay in touch for the latest updates and to observe advice for their own safety while emergency personnel continue their work.