Drone footage and pictures have revealed the shocking aftermath of a major fire that broke out at a waste recycling facility on Everite Road Industrial Estate in Widnes on Monday evening. The area remains smoky this morning as firefighters continue to dampen down the scene.
Major Incident Declared
The blaze was declared a major incident at 6pm on Monday, with crews initially called just before 4.30pm. Firefighters found 700 tons of waste cardboard alight in a single-storey building. The fire spread rapidly, sending heavy plumes of smoke visible across the north west. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed 20 fire engines were at the scene, and residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed and stay indoors overnight.
Aerial Footage Shows Destruction
Aerial pictures and drone video, shared with the ECHO by Ian Crank, showed the scene this morning. In the video, plumes of smoke can still be seen rising from the site. The building has been completely destroyed, left charred black with debris strewn across the area. Firefighters can be seen using an aerial appliance to dampen down hot spots.
Fire Under Control
The fire service reported that the blaze is now well under control. In an update on Tuesday morning, a spokesperson said: "The major incident was stood down before midnight, but firefighters have remained at the scene overnight using water jets to cool burning debris. At around 04:00 attendance was scaled back to three fire engines and three special appliances from Cheshire plus one special appliance from Greater Manchester."
The spokesperson added: "It is likely that road closures around the immediate area will remain in place for some time, so please check your route before setting off for work or school this morning. Further updates to follow."
Visible Across the Region
The blaze could be seen as far as the Silver Jubilee Bridge, the Knowsley Expressway, Speke, West Derby, Mossley Hill, Huyton, Page Moss and Liverpool city centre, as well as Bickerstaffe and Lytham in Lancashire and north Wales.
Resident Recalls Collapse
Debbie Couzens, who has lived on Ditchfield Place for more than 30 years, told the ECHO how she heard the building collapse as the fire took hold. She said: "We heard the building drop, everyone heard it, then it was the pops and bangs from the gas canisters." She added: "We couldn't leave the house, the houses on the estate next to the site had to evacuate." Fire engines are still coming and going this morning, and road closures remain in place.
