Firefighters tackle blaze at former Shots bar in Bolton

The blaze took place at what was most recently Shots bar in Bradshawgate in Bolton town centre. 

Just before 9am today, March 31, fire crews were called to the blaze, where they remained for over two hours. 

At its peak, nine fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were in attendance, as well as a fire command unit. 

Smoke billowing out of the building (Image: Danny Loynd) Also present were an ambulance, paramedic rapid response vehicles and police. 

Bradshawgate was cordoned off between Great Moor Street and Wood Street until around 11.15am. 

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said:  “Shortly before 9am this morning (Monday), fire crews responded to reports of a building fire on Bradshawgate in Bolton.

“Six fire engines tackled the fire at a three-storey terraced style commercial abandoned building. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and three hose reels to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters on scene (Image: Newsquest) “Crews remain on the scene at this time to make the area safe.” 

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Firefighter smashing a window (Image: Newsquest)

When the fire first took place, smoke could be seen billowing out of the building in question. 

After this, firefighters got the blaze under control and the smoke died down. 

Firefighters could also be seen going in and out of the building with oxygen masks on, before one went up on the aerial platform and smashed a window in to allow any remaining smoke to leave. 

To see minute by minute updates of what went on, see our live blog here: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25049528.emergency-services-bradshawgate-bolton-fire/

Emergency services (Image: Newsquest) Multiple buses were caught inside the cordon, with their services being suspended and passengers having to evacuate. The buses were later moved out of the cordon. 

A drone could be seen hovering over the scene. 

Yellow hoses also ran into the building, but no hoses were aimed at the exterior of the building. 

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service confirmed paramedics were in attendance, but that there were “no casualties”. 

One passerby said: “I used to go in that bar, it used to be a decent pub!”

Greater Manchester Police was approached for a comment.