Fire crews sprang to action on the evening of January 30, 2025, at approximately 8:40 PM, when flames erupted at the former Hilton Park Pub on Leigh Road, Leigh.
The scene quickly escalated as emergency responders, including firefighters from Hindley, Atherton, and Leigh Fire Stations, raced to contain the blaze. Smoke billowed out of the windows and was visible from blocks away, alarming nearby residents.
According to the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, "Three fire engines were called to crews were called to a building fire at 8:40 PM. They used a hose reel to extinguish fire." Firefighters donned breathing apparatuses to safely navigate the intense smoke and flames.
The fire rapidly spread to residential flats above the pub, posing additional risks before firefighters managed to bring it under control. Reports indicate the fire was extinguished by around 9:25 PM, demonstrating the quick response of the emergency teams. "The scene is now scaling down and the fire was extinguished as of 9:24 PM," the spokesperson confirmed.
Witnesses described the situation, with one passer-by noting, "It looks like the fire was in the roof of the pub. The pub closed fairly recently but there have been lights on in the building over the few days." This raises questions about the cause of the fire, which remains unconfirmed.
Local police were also on-site to assist with crowd control and investigate the incident. Authorities are yet to determine the origins of the fire, and inquiries are underway to establish what prompted such a significant emergency response.
While the immediate threat of the fire has passed thanks to the swift action from the emergency services, the incident has opened discussions about safety protocols for derelict properties, particularly those like the Hilton Park Pub, which may have had structural concerns following its closure.
Residents are left wondering about the future of the building and whether such emergencies could occur again. Local authorities are expected to provide updates on their investigations, along with safety measures they may introduce to prevent similar situations.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the fire crews who bravely battled the flames and ensuring the safety of the community surrounding the Hilton Park Pub.