A massive fire at a recycling facility in Widnes on Monday evening sent thick black smoke billowing across Merseyside and Cheshire, with ash raining down on nearby homes and a major incident declared due to the scale of the blaze.
Fire crews from across the region battled the inferno on Everite Road, which began at around 4:30pm and rapidly consumed a single-storey warehouse measuring approximately 50 metres by 50 metres. The fire involved an estimated 450 tonnes of waste cardboard and other materials, out of around 550 tonnes stored inside the building, according to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).
Massive Response and Evacuations
At the height of the incident, 20 fire engines from Cheshire were supported by crews from Lancashire and Greater Manchester, along with a high-volume pump and foam tanker. Firefighters were forced to tackle the blaze from outside due to concerns that the structure could collapse. No casualties were reported, and all individuals believed to have been on site were accounted for.
A CFRS spokesperson said: "The fire has spread rapidly and is causing a heavy plume of smoke. Nearby residents and businesses are advised to keep windows and doors closed. Owing to the risk of the building collapsing, firefighters are tackling the blaze from the exterior."
Explosions and Ash Fallout
Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions throughout the evening. Ash and debris were carried for miles, with reports of ash falling on streets including Coronation Drive, and as far as Aintree. One resident wrote on social media: "I thought a feather was floating down while in the garden. No, it's ash from the fire at the recycling centre in Widnes... I'm in Aintree."
A taxi driver who witnessed the blaze shortly after it started said: "There's a huge fire raging in a warehouse on the side of Speke Road in Widnes. The entire sky over Liverpool is turning black and multiple explosions are currently taking place. It is a big fire. I'm looking into Widnes and the fire is so big." He later described a strong chemical smell and difficulty breathing.
Major Incident Declared
By 6pm, CFRS formally declared the blaze a major incident due to the scale of the fire and the size of the smoke plume. Road closures were put in place on Everite Road, Hale Road, and Ditchfield Road, with motorists urged to avoid the area. Cheshire Police assisted with traffic management and community reassurance.
Superintendent Sam Billington said: "A large number of officers are in attendance at the scene to manage road closures and provide reassurance to the community. While our colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service tackle the fire, we would urge residents in the nearby area to follow their advice and stay indoors with their windows and doors closed at this time. I would also ask people not to congregate at the scene as it could hamper our response to this incident."
Fire Brought Under Control
As darkness fell, firefighters made progress in containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to neighbouring premises. In an update at 10:30pm, CFRS said the incident was "largely under control" and the number of crews at the scene had been reduced. Relief crews remained overnight to damp down remaining hotspots. Residents and businesses were advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution, with several roads still closed.
