More than 30 fire-fighters battled a house fire in Rochdale in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Fire-fighters arrived at the property on Sheriff Street, Milnrow at 4:10am to put out the blaze, with flames reaching 50ft high.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the fire spread from the basement of the unoccupied house through the ground and first floor and into the attic.
At the height of the blaze four neighbouring properties were evacuated and the street was cordoned off.
“There was nobody inside and we understand from local people that it is unoccupied presently,” a spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service at the scene said.
“By the time we got here it was well alight and we were concerned about neighbours because of the shared roof space. Four adjoining homes were evacuated.
Morning we’ve 4 pumps at a house fire in Sheriff Street #Rochdale nobody inside thankfully but we have evacuated neighbours for their safety
— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) October 15, 2014
The crew used breathing equipment and an aerial platform vehicle to put out the fire at the large traditional terrace house, which spanned three floors.
Three families have since been allowed to return home but next neighbours living next door, where there was a small amount of damage to the attic, have been assisted by crew to collect belongings and advised to stay with their family.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service are currently investigating the cause but have confirmed the fire had spread from the basement through the ground and first floor and into the attic.
The fire is out in Sheriff Street #Rochdale crews are investigating the cause pic.twitter.com/YuixZdOH4s
— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) October 15, 2014
