FIREFIGHTERS are on the scene of a 'major' incident on Tan House Lane.
A large fire has broken out in a building and residents have been asked to avoid the area.
Police confirmed that the fire involves plastic and cardboard.
Junctions of A562 Fiddlers Ferry Road onto Tan House Lane and Gorsey Lane have now been reopened.
A spokesman added: "Firefighters were called to a report of a fire on Tan House Lane in Widnes at 6.57pm.
"When they arrived they were confronted with a large blaze involving a warehouse and an amount of plastic and cardboard. This was causing a huge plume of black smoke that can be seen for miles.
"There are currently 15 fire engines and an aerial appliance at the scene. Roads surrounding the incident have been closed and people are being advised to stay away. Also please keep doors and windows shut.
"Crews are likely to be there for some time."
At 10pm, the spokesman added 'really good progress' had been made to bring the blaze under control.
He added: "The smoke has reduced but it is still best to avoid the area and keep windows shut."
Police said flights from John Lennon Airport are running as normal.
Heavy this. #Widnes #chemicalexplosion pic.twitter.com/6xfe3joWa2
— Gemma Lancaster (@Gemma_Faye) April 20, 2017
#widnes #fire #smoke #stayaway pic.twitter.com/4Ekb4a1jkY
— Mark Allen (@Widneschappy) April 20, 2017
This series of pictures from Phil Haynes on Wilmere Lane Halton Hornets sports fields shows how quickly the blaze developed.
#Fire#Widnes @runcornworld @WidnesRuncornWN pic.twitter.com/Nt5OVgPK9e
— Carl (@NWGuyUK) April 20, 2017
Community answers
Have you got pictures of the blaze?
"Send in your pictures or video of the fire here"
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
What is your response?
Your pictures
What is your response?Tan House Lane fire from Green Oaks.
Your pictures
Tan House Lane fire from Green Oaks. What is your response?Widnes fire From Runcorn
Your pictures
Widnes fire From Runcorn What is your response?Widnes fire From Runcorn
Your pictures
Widnes fire From Runcorn What is your response?Norton, Runcorn
Your pictures
Norton, Runcorn 
Norton, Runcorn What is your response?From Mersey Road Runcorn
Your pictures
From Mersey Road Runcorn What is your response?
Your pictures
What is your response?View at Asda/McDonalds West Lane Runcorn
Your pictures
View at Asda/McDonalds West Lane Runcorn What is your response?View of smoke from Runcorn Asda
Your pictures
View of smoke from Runcorn Asda 
View of smoke from Runcorn Asda What is your response?Taken in Sutton park in Runcorn at 19:03
Your pictures
Taken in Sutton park in Runcorn at 19:03 What is your response?Smoke seen from the train
Your pictures
Smoke seen from the train 
Smoke seen from the train What is your response?From Runcorn Castle
Your pictures
From Runcorn Castle Updates to follow.
Have you got pictures of the blaze?
Send in your pictures or video of the fire here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here