THE roof of Abbey Skip Hire Ltd caught fire this afternoon in Park Road, Fernhill.
Burning rubbish is thought to have caused the blaze which started at around 5pm.
A wide police cordon has been set up in Park Road and Every Street and nearby businesses have been evacuated due to fears about asbestos.
Two other businesses are believed to have been affected by the blaze, Distinct Motors Ltd and Lancashire Van Sales.
Danny Brown, owner of Distinct Motors said: "An ember caught the roof of Abbey Skip Hire and caused a bit of an explosion."
Greater Manchester Police, fire and ambulance services have all been called to the scene.
Six pumps attended along with specialist services. At around 6.40pm, the fire was contained but not yet out.
No one is thought to have been injured in the fire.
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