Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident after a huge blaze involving 450 tonnes of waste broke out at a recycling facility on Everite Road in Widnes on June 22. The fire, which sent smoke billowing across the region, required support from Lancashire and Greater Manchester fire services. Twenty fire engines attended, and explosions were heard from the site. The major incident was stood down shortly before midnight, but firefighters remained overnight using water jets to cool burning debris.
Scale of the Response
Fire crews from Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire were called to the scene shortly before 4:30 pm. By 4:00 am the next morning, attendance was scaled back to three fire engines and three special appliances from Cheshire, plus one special appliance from Greater Manchester. A fire service 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.'
Impact on Local Community
Residents reported hearing loud bangs and seeing thick smoke. One man on Ditchfield Road said he heard 'loads of bangs' before seeing smoke rising. A taxi driver near Speke Road noted: 'There's a huge fire raging. The entire sky over Liverpool is turning black and multiple explosions are currently taking place. The whole area here smelled of chemicals and it was hard to breathe.' An ECHO photographer heard a loud bang just after 6 pm and later saw ash raining down on Coronation Drive.
Road Closures and Public Advice
Several roads remain closed, including Hale Road, Marshgate, Ditchfield Road, Liverpool Road, and Netherley Road. The fire service advised: '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.' Superintendent Sam Billington urged residents to stay indoors with windows and doors closed and not to congregate at the scene.
