UPDATED: FIRE crews were still at the scene of a scrapyard fire this morning after eight fire crews, including firefighters from the Warrington area, were called out to tackle a blaze at a scrapyard which caused a large black plume of smoke across the skyline.
Shortly before 6pm yesterday the fire crews from from Widnes, Penketh, Runcorn, Warrington, Chester, Frodsham, Birchwood and Lymm plus a water bowser from Powey Lane and an aerial ladder platform from Lymm, were called to a large fire at a commercial premises.
The fire involved a scrap metal in a yard on Dennis Road, Widnes and crews used three main water jets to fight the fire.
Due to hose reels running along the A557, from the Bridgewater Canal, one lane of the carriageway northbound was closed by police.
Due to a number of vehicles in attendance at this incident people were being asked to avoid the Dennis Road area of Widnes. Nearby residents were also advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.
The fire involved approximately 200 tonnes of scrap and crews are working to protect a building on site, which is not involved in the fire.
Five main water jets and four ground monitors were used in fighting the fire.
As of 7am this morning three fire engines were currently still at the fire and firefighters worked throughout the night, using ground monitors to get water onto the pile.
Outer cordons have now been lifted at the junction of Dennis Road and Tan House Lane. This will allow access to nearby businesses. People within those businesses are still being advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area.
A plan to use heavy machinery and move some of the scrap is being formulated. This will allow crews to get to the deeper seated areas of fire and extinguish them. It is expected that firefighters will be there for most of the day.
UPDATE 11:30
It is estimated that Cheshire Police will re-open the roads around the area at 12:30pm.
Firefighters are still using one main jet in the area.
The black plume of smoke that could be seen from Warrington – Picture Eddie Whitham
Picture: Danger Drone
Firefighters are dealing with a large fire at a commercial premises on Dennis Road in Widnes. Police have closed one lane northbound on the A557 due to hose reels in the road.https://t.co/LrF3rze0so pic.twitter.com/r7OJWhX9an
— Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (@CheshireFire) June 21, 2023
