PEOPLE have been evacuated from their homes while firefighters battle a large mill fire in Delph.

The fire broke out at around 3am today, at Oakdale Mill, in Delph New Road.

Crews from Oldham, Hollins, Chadderton, Ashton, Stalybridge and Mossley have been at the scene attempting to get the fire under control.

Greater Manchester Police evacuated people from ten nearby homes as a precaution.

Smoke has also spread as far as Grains Bar and Greenfield, and people are being told to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.

Station Manager Bob Birtles said: "We have been fighting this fire for over two hours now and we are making good progress and limiting the spread of the flames, and that's thanks to the quick and professional actions of our crews.

"However, there is a lot of billowing smoke in the immediate area. Colleagues from Greater Manchester Police have, as a precaution, evacuated residents from 10 nearby homes to a local community centre. I'd ask people living or travelling locally to keep their doors and windows closed for the time being.

"Delph New Road is currently closed. Please help us to firefight as quickly and efficiently as possible by keeping the immediate vicinity clear."

Delph New Road has been closed while firefighters get the fire under control. Transport for Greater Manchester has told people to find an alternative route if they are travelling.

At 10.30am, firefighters said they had started scaling back their operation.

A spokesperson said: "Four pumps remain at the scene, along with an aerial appliance and command support unit as crew continue to tackle the last remaining pockets of fire. Firefighters are also working with nearby businesses to ensure they can return to work as soon as possible.

"Residents have begun returning to their homes with help from Oldham Council but road closures do remain in places as a vast amount of hose reel and hydrants are still in use."

Fire investigation officers have been at the scene this morning but at this time there is no indication that the blaze was started deliberately.

Group Manager Mark Threader praised his firefighters and partners who have worked tirelessly through the early hours and into today.

“Firefighters have worked incredibly hard to bring this fire under control and will remain at the scene into the evening and probably overnight as they continue to damp down,” he said.

“I would like to thank our partners from GMP, NWAS and Oldham Council who have assisted us at this incident. It has been a huge joint effort to contain this fire and ensure it didn’t spread to neighbouring properties.”