Residents in Altrincham were shocked by a massive blaze that erupted at the J Davidson scrap yard on Craven Road on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The fire unleashed plumes of thick black smoke that spread across the area, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly as the flames consumed vehicles parked within the yard.
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) was alerted around noon and immediately dispatched multiple fire engines from Stretford, Altrincham, Sale, and Wythenshawe fire stations, as well as an aerial appliance from Manchester Central fire station. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and seeing canisters propelled into the air.
State the time of the blaze, the rapid response of the firefighters, and the dangerous circumstances that followed with residents advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to the risk of inhalation from the acrid smoke. Nearby business owner reported to the Manchester Evening News that he first noticed the fire around 11:50 AM. After calling 911, he witnessed the first fire crews arriving approximately thirty minutes later.
"I just thought, 'oh my god, what's happening here?' and, 'is everyone safe?'" he recounted. "I have been giving fire crews water and biscuits to keep hydrated." His experience was similar to that of other residents, including Carol Hunt, who remarked, "We saw it about 12; we just heard a big bang and saw the smoke."
Despite the danger, the firefighters worked diligently to bring the situation under control. The smoke emanating from the fire had a strong odor of burning rubber, reported some local residents, heightening their concerns about respiratory issues.
As the fire continued to spread, the emergency services employed a variety of resources, including cranes, raised platforms, and drones, to ensure they effectively combat the flames while keeping the community safe. Annette Gavin, another local resident, described the confusion as she saw the smoke from her home. "I was going to put my washing out and I just saw black smoke. I didn't realize it was here, I walked to the front, and it was really bad, acrid smoke," she detailed. "There were explosions as well; I think it was the car batteries that exploded. There were lots of bangs and cracks from that."
Total containment was no easy feat, and fire crews remained at the scene well into the evening, continuing to tackle lingering hotspots and ensure the fire was completely extinguished. The road was blocked off to minimize the danger to passing vehicles and pedestrians. As the evening progressed, GMFRS provided updates indicating that while the situation was improving, some units would remain on-site to secure the premise.
"The incident at Craven Road in Altrincham is now being scaled down, however some crews remain while they work to dampen down hotspots and make the area safe. The road closure remains in place," a spokesperson for the fire service stated, helping to reassure a nervous public.
Witnesses thanked emergency personnel for their rapid response, acknowledging the bravado and professionalism that helped prevent the fire from escalating further.
Annette Gavin remarked, "They've done a sterling job; they've done really well in quite horrible circumstances." While some residents were caught off guard, ultimately, the effort put forth by the firefighters quelled any major panic as they continued to dampen down hazards.
The aftermath of the fire left many wondering about the cause of such a significant outbreak. Investigations could follow to determine what triggered the blaze at the scrap yard and whether additional safety measures can be implemented to prevent future incidents of this nature.
As the smoke cleared and an eerie calm settled over Craven Road, the Altrincham community began to assess the damage, relieved that despite the chaos, no one appeared to have sustained serious injuries. The efforts of GMFRS served as a testament to the training and bravery of local firefighters who responded promptly and effectively to this alarming situation.
