An investigation is ongoing after a fire broke out at Fiddlers Ferry power station on Thursday, with crews remaining at the scene to dampen down and check for hotspots.
Emergency services were alerted shortly before 1pm on October 15, with crews from across Cheshire attending the decommissioned coal-fired power station. Footage shared on social media showed flames and thick plumes of smoke rising from a building close to the former power station, while sirens could be heard in the background.
Road closures were put in place in the surrounding area, with police urging people to avoid the scene while firefighters tackled the blaze. Widnes Road was shut for a period of time heading eastbound, while people in the area were told to keep their doors and windows shut as a precaution.
Investigation into cause
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed shortly after news broke that the blaze took place at an industrial building on the site of the power plant. In an update published on Friday morning, the fire service said the investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing, but it does not appear to have been deliberate.
A spokesperson said: "Crews remain at the scene. Areas of the building were removed, allowing the HRET to continue dampening down. Thermal imaging cameras were used to check for hotspots. Relief crews are in place."
They added: "Investigations are still ongoing, however it is believed the fire started accidentally."
Site evacuated, no casualties
A spokesperson for Peel NRE, which is involved in the redevelopment of the former power station site, confirmed that the area had been safely evacuated and that there were no casualties.
The spokesperson said: "We are aware of the incident at Fiddlers Ferry, the site has been safely evacuated, and the emergency services are in attendance. We can confirm there are no casualties and we will, of course, fully cooperate with any investigations into the cause of the fire."
Future redevelopment plans
Earlier this year, Place North West reported that Peel NRE had received permission from Warrington Borough Council to clear the final section of the site ahead of plans for a new neighbourhood of around 860 homes. The proposed development is expected to include a primary school, health centre and nature reserve.
The remaining cooling towers at the former power station are also due to be demolished by the end of the year, following the demolition of four towers in 2023. Fiddlers Ferry power station ceased generating electricity in 2020, bringing an end to decades of operation at the site.
