One synagogue representative told Manchester Evening News it was “very upsetting” to see the damage.
“Our heart and soul is in that building,” he said. “We come here everyday. Everyone is connected to it.”
Six fire engines were deployed to the scene at around 5pm.
Firefighters used hose reels to control the blaze while Greater Manchester Police (GMP) managed traffic and closed the area.
Synagogue representatives said the blaze started in offices on the top floor of the building and that they believe it was an electrical fire, but added it was “too early” to be sure.
By 7.30pm, the fire was largely extinguished, but emergency crews remained on site, and the road was still closed. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is unknown.
At 9.30pm, GMFRS said: “Crews have extinguished the fire on Northumberland Street but will remain on the scene overnight. Please continue to avoid the area.”
