A huge fire broke out at Fiddlers Ferry power station in Warrington this afternoon (Thursday, October 15), with emergency services alerted shortly before 1pm. Crews from across Cheshire attended the scene at the decommissioned coal-fired power station.
Flames and smoke visible as road closures put in place
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.
Cheshire Police confirmed that the A562 Widnes Road was closed eastbound from Dan's Road Roundabout in Widnes towards Warrington. A spokesperson said: "We're currently dealing with an ongoing fire at Fiddlers Ferry power plant. Police and firefighters are in attendance at the scene, and the A562 Widnes Road is currently closed eastbound from Dan's Road Roundabout, Widnes, to Warrington. Residents are urged to avoid the area at this time."
Firefighters make progress containing blaze
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to a large industrial unit on fire at the site shortly before 1pm. Fire engines from Penketh, Widnes, Runcorn, Lymm and Birchwood attended, alongside a weekday fire engine and specialist appliances.
In an update posted on Facebook, the fire service said firefighters were making good progress tackling the blaze, with an aerial ladder platform being used to direct water at the affected area. Crews also established inner and outer cordons and secured a water supply as they worked to contain the fire.
The fire service said the blaze appeared to be contained within a chimney area and confirmed that everyone on site had been accounted for. People in the surrounding area were also advised to keep their windows and doors closed while the incident was ongoing. The fire service confirmed crews are expected to remain at the site overnight.
No casualties reported as site evacuated
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 co-operate with any investigations into the cause of the fire."
The cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed.
Plans for new neighbourhood at former power station
The fire comes as plans continue to progress to redevelop the former Fiddlers Ferry power station site. 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.
