Cheshire Fire and Rescue have issued a fresh update on the major recycling facility fire in Widnes. A major incident was declared after a blaze at a Widnes recycling facility on Monday (June 22).
Fire Involved 450 Tons of Cardboard Waste
Firefighters were called out to tackle the enormous fire, which broke out and sent huge plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. The service said the fire involved around 450 tons of cardboard waste at the centre and advised residents to keep doors and windows closed.
Photos posted on social media show enormous plumes of black smoke rising from the site, visible for more than 30 miles across the region. Residents nearby could be seen watching as the fire grew in scale.
Multiple Road Closures and Building Collapse Fears
Multiple road closures were put in place amid fears the building could collapse. Twenty fire engines attended from Cheshire, with support from Lancashire, Merseyside, North Wales, and Greater Manchester.
Declaring a major incident, the fire service said yesterday: "Owing to the size of the fire and smoke plume, this has now been declared a major incident. Advice to keep windows and doors closed remains in place while firefighters extinguish the fire."
Major Incident Stood Down Before Midnight
This morning, the fire service issued an update saying the major incident was stood down before midnight, but firefighters remained at the scene overnight, using water jets to cool burning debris.
At around 04:00, the force said attendance at the smouldering waste facility was scaled back to three fire engines and three special appliances from Cheshire, plus one special appliance from Greater Manchester.
Road Closures Likely to Remain
Cheshire Fire added that road closures around the site are likely to remain in place, advising motorists to check their route before setting off for work or school this morning.
