Fire investigators and firefighters remained on the scene of a significant blaze at the Satmar V'Yoel Moshe Orthodox synagogue located on Northumberland Street, Salford, on Friday evening, with extensive damage reported.
The fire started shortly before 5 PM as worshippers arrived for Friday night prayers, with bright orange flames quickly engulfing the upper stories of the three-storey building. Witnesses reported thick smoke billowing from the property, visible from miles away.
According to the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), crews from six fire stations—including Manchester Central, Blackley, and Phillips Park—were dispatched to battle the fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus utilized hose reels and aerial platforms to effectively combat the blaze, as emergency services cordoned off the area to manage the situation.
By approximately 7:30 PM, fire crews confirmed they had brought the fire under control, but would remain on site throughout the night as part of their safety protocol. A spokesperson for GMFRS stated, "At around 5 PM today, six fire engines from various stations were called to reports of a fire involving the synagogue." Officials confirmed, "Crews have extinguished the fire on Northumberland Street but will remain on the scene overnight. Please continue to avoid the area."
Upon investigation of the incident, synagogue representatives believed the fire originated from the offices on the top floor and suspect it was electrical, though they noted it was still too early to determine the precise cause. Nachman, involved with the synagogue's management, expressed their devastation by saying, "Our heart and soul is in the building. We come here every day. Everyone is connected to it."
During the incident, around 50 worshippers were inside the synagogue, though they were able to evacuate the building thanks to quick alertness from those who noticed the smoke. Nachman noted how much graver the situation could have been, saying, "It could have been even more dangerous. There could have been over 200 people in there."
The fire resulted in 'very bad' damage to the property, particularly on the third floor, which appears to be permanently ruined, along with parts of the second floor, which suffered significant water damage. Photos from the scene depict the extent of the devastation, with the roof showing considerable destruction.
Friday nights are sacred for the Jewish community, marking the beginning of the Sabbath, prompting many to gather for prayers, meals, and fellowship. This sense of community has made the destruction all the more painful for those involved.
Community members gathered outside the synagogue to support one another as they processed the event, and some expressed their shock at the rapid spread of flames. One witness remarked, "I was next door and I could see the flames and all the smoke. It was very bad. Pretty scary."
Meanwhile, GMFRS has emphasized their continued investigation, with teams present at the site to determine the cause and to assess the damage. No major injuries were reported during the incident, offering some solace to the synagogue community as they deal with the fallout of the fire.
The members of the Orthodox Jewish community are now left to grieve and assess the damage to their sacred space, rallying around one another during this challenging time. The importance of the synagogue to the local community cannot be understated, as it stands not just as a place of worship, but as a focal point of cultural and communal resilience.