A massive fire broke out at a waste recycling facility where over 700 tons of cardboard were ablaze. The blaze started in a warehouse on Everite Road in Widnes, Cheshire, prompting multiple fire crews to respond and a major incident to be declared.
Witnesses described the sky over Liverpool turning black with several explosions and a strong smell of chemicals, making it difficult to breathe in the area. Ash was observed falling from the sky onto Coronation Drive nearby.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire was spreading rapidly, posing a risk of the building collapsing. Residents in the vicinity were advised to keep their windows and doors shut while firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.
Due to the fire’s size and smoke plume, the incident was declared a major one, with ongoing advice to keep windows and doors closed. Firefighters were battling the blaze externally to prevent the building from collapsing. All individuals were safe, and no injuries were reported. Police were managing traffic in the affected area.
Road closures were put in place on Everite Road, Hale Road, and Ditchfield Road, with drivers cautioned to avoid the location. Fire engines from various stations, including Widnes, Runcorn, Penketh, Congleton, Warrington, Frodsham, and Northwich, were deployed to the scene.
Cheshire Police responded to reports of the fire and were assisting with traffic management. No injuries were reported at the time, and road closures and safety advice were issued for residents and businesses in the vicinity.