A major fire has erupted at a waste recycling warehouse in Widnes, Cheshire, with multiple fire crews deployed and a huge plume of smoke pouring from the site
A massive fire has ripped through a waste recycling facility where more than 700 tones of waste cardboard are alight.
The blaze has erupted at a warehouse on Everite Road in Widnes, Cheshire, with several fire crews currently at the scene.
One witness said the entire sky over Liverpool is “turning black” with multiple explosions taking place, while another said the area “smelled of chemicals,” making it “hard to breathe,” the Liverpool Echo reports.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze was spreading rapidly with the building now at risk of collapse.
Those living nearby have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed as fire crews continue to tackle the blaze.
“Eight fire engines are dealing with a large fire involving around 700 tons of waste cardboard in a single storey building measuring approximately 50m x 50m,” the fire service said.
“The fire has spread rapidly and is causing a heavy plume of smoke. A such, nearby residents and businesses are advised to keep windows and doors closed.
“Owing to the risk of the building collapsing, firefighters are tackling the blaze from the exterior. All persons are accounted for and no casualties have been reported. Police are managing traffic in the area. Further updates to follow.”
The fire has triggered closures on Everite Road, Hale Road and Ditchfield Road, with drivers advised to avoid the area.
Fire engines from Widnes, Runcorn, Penketh, Congleton, Warrington, Frodsham and Northwich, plus a weekday fire engine have swarmed the area.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: “At 4.45pm today, Monday June 22, police were called to reports of a large fire at a recycling facility on Everite Road, Widnes.
“Officers are at the scene and are assisting Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service with traffic management. There are no reports of any injuries at this time.
“Road closures are currently in place on Everite Road, Hale Road and Ditchfield Road, and motorists are advised to avoid the area. Nearby residents and businesses are also advised to keep windows and doors closed.”