Firefighters battled through the night to tackle a fire that ignited in the roof of Tesco Metro in Levenshulme.
The fire service received numerous calls from concerned members of the public who saw flames and thick smoke billowing from the building on Stockport Road just before midnight.
There have been no reports of any injuries from the fire, which is now under control after around 30 firefighters and six fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze.
Whitehill Fire Station Watch Manager Eamonn Lyons, who was first on the scene, said: “There was a well-developed fire in the roof void of the building and quite a lot of smoke and flames coming from the roof.
“We had 10 firefighters in breathing apparatus who quickly extinguished the fire using jets.
“The aerial appliance was also used to get water onto the roof from above.
“Smoke has gone into the store and caused smoke damage but we managed to stop the fire spreading and contained the damage to around 20% of the roof.”
Fire at Tesco Levenshulme – just seen this photo on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/tGcWddUEbV
— Murry (@mmmurry) September 29, 2014
Two fire engines remained on the scene overnight and this morning firefighters have been dampening down and stripping back the burnt roof timbers to ensure there are no further signs of fire.
Stockport road was closed from 12am until 3am as fire fighters attempted to quell the flames.
Commuters this morning were however warned to expect delays around the area as Alma Road remains closed in both directions.
An investigation is being carried out this morning to determine the cause of the fire but early indications are that it started accidentally.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
