FIRE crews were called after a former car garage in the town centre was was engulfed by fire.
The blaze took hold of the former Williams BMW dealership in Bradshawgate just after 7.30am.
Flames tore through offices on the second floor of the building, spreading up a lift shaft and into the motor room on the roof of the former garage — smoke-logging the building.
Smoke could be seen billowing from the garage and there were reports of a smell, similar to burning rubber, in the air.
The building is thought to be used by rough sleepers as a place of shelter, however it is understood that no one was injured in the blaze, and fire crews found no one inside.
It is further believed that the fire was started deliberately, as there are no longer any functioning electrical systems or other potential causes of ignition in the building.
Fire crews will remain on the scene for several hours, and investigation has been launched in conjuction with the police.
Bolton Central Community Fire Station watch manager Tony McKenna said: "We were called at around 7.30am and mobilised to reports of smoke coming from the building — which is currently unoccupied.
"The fire involved offices on the second floor and the fire spread up to the lift motor room on the roof.
"There is damage inside the building and we had difficulty getting to the fire as we had to negotiate heavy smoke to get to the second floor.
"There was evidence of rough sleeping in the building, but the building has been searched and no one has been found on the premises.
"Police have been informed and there will be an ongoing investigation into the incident."
Watch manager McKenna added that the fire service had been called to attend fires at the building several times in recent months.
Last month firefighters scrambled to search for people feared to be in the building after tents, sleeping bags, food and clothing were found in the former garage, as they attended another fire.
Fire crews used bolt cutters to force their way into the building, but after a thorough search found it was unoccupied.
The building has been empty for around 10 years after its original owners, Williams of Bolton, who sold BMWs and Minis; relocated to a multi-million pound site at the home of Bolton's former greyhound track in Raikes Lane.
Since that date the site has fallen into a derelict and dilapidated state.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel