Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service declared a major incident after 20 fire engines were deployed to a recycling centre fire in Widnes.
Firefighters were called to the incident at around 17:30 on Monday, 22 June and remained at the site overnight, tackling the blaze. All persons are accounted for, and no casualties have been reported.
It’s estimated that of the 550 tonnes of waste on the site, around 450 tonnes were involved in the fire, most of which is thought to be cardboard.
According to reports from Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, the fire was spreading rapidly through the single-storey building, which is approximately 50m x 50m, and causing a heavy plume of smoke.
As of 20:55 on Monday, the Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service said firefighters were making ‘good progress’ in tackling the fire and preventing it from spreading to adjacent premises.
The major incident was stood down before midnight, and the number of crews on scene was reduced overnight as firefighters continued using water jets to cool burning debris.
At 4:00 am this morning (23 June), attendance was scaled back to three fire engines and three special appliances from Cheshire, as well as one special appliance from Greater Manchester.
However, Chesire Fire & Rescue Service said it’s likely that road closures around the immediate area will remain in place for ‘some time’.
Commenting on the incident, Superintendent Sam Billington said: “A large number of officers are in attendance at the scene to manage road closures and provide reassurance to the community.”
“While our colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service tackle the fire, we would urge residents in the nearby area to follow their advice and stay indoors with their windows and doors closed at this time.”