A GYM in Wilmslow was evacuated and fire crews called after ‘artificial smoke’ set off the alarm system.

Staff at Total Fitness, in Wilmslow Way, evacuated clients when fire alarms were triggered shortly before 2pm on Tuesday, January 16.

Fire crews from Wilmslow and Greater Manchester rushed to the scene, but were soon able to determine it was a false alarm.

The Wilmslow fire crew helped clear the smoke with fans, and clients were let back inside after 20 minutes.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 13.59pm, fire crews from Wilmslow and Greater Manchester were called to a building in Wilmslow Way, which houses a gym and a nursery.

"Several areas had been evacuated by staff before crews arrived at the scene.

"The building’s smoke cloak security system had been triggered by artificial smoke.

"After confirming it was a false alarm, the crew from Wilmslow stayed on scene to help clear the smoke with high pressure fans."

Total Fitness say the smoke security system had been triggered during a routine check of an unoccupied part of the building.

A spokesman said: “At approximately 1.45pm on Tuesday, January 16, during a routine check of an unoccupied tenant space, a smoke security system was triggered causing our Total Fitness Wilmslow club and other tenants within the building to be evacuated for approximately 20 minutes. 

“Whilst any interruption is regrettable, the safety of our members and team members is paramount.

“We're grateful for the team for their fast action and quick work to get our members back to their workouts.”