Fire Erupts Outside Etihad Stadium Before Champions League Clash, Disrupts Player Presentation

There was a moment of concern outside the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night as a fire broke out ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash against Club Brugge.

The incident occurred near the main entrance of the stadium, just as Manchester City’s new women’s team signings were being introduced to the fans. Additionally, Pep Guardiola’s three latest acquisitions for the men’s squad were also set to be presented, but the fire forced an abrupt halt to the proceedings, with the area quickly evacuated for safety reasons.

Fortunately, emergency responders acted swiftly, and the fire was extinguished without any reported injuries.

Swift Fire Response and Official Statement

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) provided details of the response:

“Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29 January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire stations were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester.”

“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, used two hose reels to extinguish the fire. They are currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe.”

The fire, which had initially caused alarm among fans and staff, was fully brought under control within thirty minutes.

A Disruptive But Contained Incident

While the match itself remained unaffected, the fire briefly disrupted the pre-game atmosphere, particularly for fans who had gathered to welcome the club’s new players. The situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of large-scale events and the importance of swift emergency response.

A Lucky Escape? Questions Remain

The cause of the fire has yet to be disclosed, and while no major damage has been reported, incidents like this always raise concerns about safety at stadiums. With Manchester City being one of the biggest clubs in the world, security and emergency preparedness remain paramount.

For City fans, the evening’s focus soon shifted back to football, but the unexpected fire served as an unusual prelude to an important Champions League fixture. Was it just an isolated accident, or does this signal a need for better fire safety measures around the stadium? Either way, the club and local authorities will likely conduct a thorough review to prevent future occurrences.