A large fire broke out on Friday evening at the Satmar V'Yoel Moshe Orthodox synagogue located on Northumberland Street, Salford, prompting swift action from emergency services. According to the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, six fire engines were dispatched to tackle the blaze, which began around 5:00 PM GMT.
Videos submitted by nearby residents captured flames and thick smoke billowing from the upper parts of the building, signaling the prominence of the fire. Firefighters arrived quickly, donning breathing apparatus and utilizing hose reels to control the flames, with the Greater Manchester Police cordoning off surrounding roads to facilitate the emergency response. Witnesses reported seeing the fire for about 45 minutes, heightening concerns particularly among local residents due to the timing.
The timing of the incident was particularly poignant, as Friday night marks the beginning of the Sabbath, or Shabbat, for the Jewish community—a time of religious observance, family meals, and synagogue gatherings. “I just hope nobody was hurt,” stated one nearby resident as she watched the scene from her window. The community, already preparing for their evening rituals, faced unexpected disruptions as they observed the emergency response.
Describing the initial moments of the fire, some witnesses recounted how flames could be seen vividly from their homes. One man inside another synagogue on the same street was shocked to witness the fire engines race to the scene. “I couldn’t believe it; it was all happening right before my eyes,” he recounted.
After initial assessments, it has been suggested by some members of the synagogue community and fire officials alike, based on typical patterns of occurrences, the cause might stem from electrical issues within the facilities. The fire had reportedly started in offices on the top floor of the building, but as of the latest updates, fire crews managed to extinguish the flames.
A spokesperson from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the situation was under control. “Our teams are working diligently with partner agencies to keep residents safe, and the road will remain closed for the time being,” the spokesperson emphasized. Community members expressed their fears and hope during this anxious period, voicing concerns about damage to their beloved synagogue. One synagogue representative shared poignant reflections, explaining, “Our heart and soul is in this building. Everyone is connected to it. This is not just bricks and mortar; it’s our community.”
Following the incident, residents were urged to close their windows to prevent smoke inhalation, as the smoky air pervaded the surrounding area. The support and reactions from the community are expected to flow as recovery efforts begin, with residents offering assistance and solidarity to each other during these challenging times.
Community consciousness has been raised as local leaders and members of the synagogue are likely to engage with fire authorities to assess the damage and establish the next steps for restoration. This incident stands as not only a disruption but also as a rallying point for the community to come together and support the synagogue, which holds significant cultural and religious importance.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the collaborative efforts of emergency services have been commended by local officials and the public alike. The fire, now extinguished, brings forth questions concerning building safety and maintenance protocols moving forward, especially within historically rich religious establishments.
The residents of Salford fear the ramifications of the incident on their community life and cultural identity, particularly about the impending observance of the Sabbath. Continuous updates from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service will be pivotal as they provide valuable information to both the public and the local community leaders on the state of the response and recovery efforts.
This event has rattled the community at large, with discussions sparked about how best to protect such cherished spaces from similar incidents. Given the emotional connections to their places of worship, many have vowed to work together to secure the future of their synagogue and the broader community fabric it sustains.