A large fire broke out behind a retail park in Greater Manchester this afternoon, sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing across the area and alarming nearby shoppers.

The blaze, believed to have started around midday, erupted at a scrap yard located behind the Boots store at Altrincham Retail Park. While the retail stores themselves, including the pharmacy chain, appear unaffected by the flames, dramatic smoke rising behind the complex has sparked concern among the public.

Footage from the scene shows a dense column of smoke towering over the area, visible from the car park and nearby roads — giving the appearance that it is emerging from the retail park itself.

Firefighters Battle Blaze at Scrap Yard

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed the incident in a statement:

“Around midday today, firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a commercial property on Craven Road in Altrincham.
Four fire engines from Stretford, Altrincham, Sale, and Wythenshawe fire stations, along with an aerial appliance from Manchester Central, quickly arrived at the scene, where a number of vehicles had caught fire at a scrap yard.”

Fire crews are using truck-mounted ladders to spray water over the site from outside the perimeter fence, working to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.

Public Urged to Stay Indoors

Emergency services are urging nearby residents and businesses to keep doors and windows closed while firefighting operations continue.

There have been no reports of injuries at this stage, and the cause of the fire is not yet known.

GMFRS has confirmed that firefighters remain at the scene, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.