Fire at the Samar V’Yoel Moshe Synagogue (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Leaders at a Salford synagogue have expressed their devastation after a large fire caused significant damage to parts of the building. The blaze broke out just before 5pm, as members of the local orthodox Jewish community were arriving for a Friday night Sabbath Service.
Bright orange flames and billowing smoke could be seen emanating from the roof of the Satmar V’Yoel Moshe synagogue on Northumberland Street, off Bury New Road, with the smoke visible from miles away. The fire reportedly started in the top-floor offices of the three-storey building, according to the
Fortunately, no one was in those rooms at the time, but people had begun to gather for evening prayers on the ground floor. It is believed that some of those arriving noticed the smoke and alerted those inside, who then contacted emergency services and began evacuating the building.
Nachman, a member of the synagogue’s management, said there were around 50 people inside the building at the time, but noted that the number could have been much higher if the fire had started slightly later. “It could have been even more dangerous,” he said.
“There could have been over 200 people in there.”
Multiple resources were dispatched to tackle the blaze (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Six fire engines responded to the scene, with firefighters wearing breathing apparatus swiftly tackling the flames and using an aerial platform to pour water onto the fire from above.
A large police cordon was established, with officers stationed at both ends. Ambulances were also present, although it is unclear if anyone was injured.
Scores of worshippers from Satmar and nearby religious buildings were seen looking back in shock as they were escorted out of the cordoned area. One witness stated: “I was next door and I could see the flames and all the smoke. It was very bad. Pretty scary.”
After approximately four and a half hours of battling the fire, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that the blaze had been extinguished.
Nachman suggested that it might have been an electrical fire, based on its origin and discussions with the fire service, but said it was ‘too early’ to be certain. Neither GMFRS nor the police have commented on the cause yet.
Worshippers had begun arriving for a Friday night Sabbath service when the fire broke out (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Nachman reported ‘a lot of damage’ to the building, including water damage on the second floor and extensive damage on the third floor. He described the situation as ‘very upsetting’, saying: “Our heart and soul is in that building,” and “We come here everyday. Everyone is connected to it.”
He added: “There is no good time for it to happen but this is a bad time,” referring to the fact that Friday night marks the beginning of the Sabbath, a special time for the Jewish community characterised by family meals and synagogue visits.
A spokesperson for GMFRS stated: “At around 5pm today (Friday 31 January), six fire engines from Manchester Central, Blackley, Phillips Park, Salford and Broughton fire stations were called to reports of a fire involving a synagogue on Northumberland Street, Salford.”
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and are using hose reels to control the fire while Greater Manchester Police cordon the road. Crews remain in attendance.”
Smoke was sent billowing from the roof (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
In an update at 10pm, they added: “”Crews have extinguished the fire on Northumberland Street but will remain on the scene overnight. Please continue to avoid the area.
“” Greater Manchester Police said they are only at the scene for traffic management and to manage the closure of the road while firefighters deal with the blaze.