Firefighters will spend a second night at the scene of a major blaze at a waste recycling facility in Widnes. The fire, which sent thick black smoke billowing across Merseyside and Cheshire, broke out at a warehouse on Everite Road at around 4:30pm on Monday, June 22. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) declared it a major incident due to the scale of the blaze.
Explosions and Smoke Plume Visible for Miles
Locals reported hearing explosions as huge plumes of smoke could be seen for miles around, while ash fell on homes across parts of the region. At the height of the incident, 20 fire engines from across Cheshire, supported by crews from Lancashire and Greater Manchester, attended alongside a high-volume pump and foam tanker. Firefighters were forced to tackle the blaze from outside the building because of concerns the structure could collapse.
Waste Tonnage Revised Downwards
CFRS initially believed around 700 tonnes of waste cardboard were involved in the fire. However, a later assessment found approximately 450 tonnes of waste, from a total of around 550 tonnes stored inside the warehouse, had been affected. No casualties were reported and all people believed to have been on site were accounted for.
Road Closures and Precautionary Advice
Road closures were put in place on Everite Road, Hale Road and Ditchfield Road, while residents and businesses nearby were advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution due to the smoke. As darkness fell on Monday, firefighters made progress in bringing the blaze under control and preventing it from spreading to neighbouring premises.
Incident Largely Under Control
In an update issued at 10:30pm, the fire service said the incident was "largely under control", although crews remained at the scene overnight to damp down hotspots. Now, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed firefighters will remain at the site for a second night. In an update issued this afternoon, Tuesday, June 23, a spokesperson said: "Attendance is expected to reduce to three fire engines at 17:00 and one fire engine and the high reach extending turret at 21:00 to remain overnight. No further updates will be provided unless there is a significant development. An investigation into the cause of the fire will begin when it is safe to do so."
Widespread Smoke and Social Media Images
The smoke plume generated by the fire was visible from locations across Merseyside, including West Derby, Page Moss, Aintree and Liverpool city centre, with witnesses sharing dramatic images and videos on social media. One local reported hearing multiple explosions, while others described ash falling onto nearby streets and gardens as firefighters worked through the evening to contain the blaze. An investigation into the cause of the fire will begin once the site has been made safe.
