Residents in Newton-le-Willows have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed after a lorry loaded with hay caught fire, sending large plumes of smoke over the Sankey Viaduct.
Crews called to Junction Lane
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service was called to Junction Lane, close to the Nine Arches, at 8.44pm on August 3. Crews arrived five minutes later and found a burning HGV loaded with hay, with two nearby trailers also on fire.
A spokesman for the fire service said: "Four fire engines are currently on scene. On arrival crews found a HGV loaded with hay well involved in fire, with two nearby trailers also involved in fire."
Firefighting efforts
Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the blaze using two hose reel jets. The incident is ongoing, and a large amount of smoke is in the area.
The spokesman added: "Residents nearby should keep doors and windows closed. If you have an existing health condition keep medicines close and if any ill effects are experienced dial NHS 111 for advice."
An eyewitness said: "A lorry has gone on fire and the fire appears to be spreading to the bushes and trees next to where it is parked."
Other fires on the same day
The fire service has dealt with several large-scale fires today. Earlier, at 2.57am, crews were called to Blackstock Market on Blackstock Street in Vauxhall, arriving five minutes later with four fire engines and one aerial appliance. They found a fire on the roof terrace, which was extinguished by 4.14am. All persons were accounted for.
A Blackstock Market spokesman has announced that its roof gardens will remain closed for the rest of 2026 while repairs are carried out. Customers affected by roof garden cancellations have been contacted.
Additionally, firefighters attended a grass fire on the playing field surrounding Hope Street Primary School in Huyton yesterday at 7.25pm, finding a burning patch about 50m long and 50m wide. They were called back to the same field at 3.14pm today for another grass fire, this time 400m long and 400m wide.
