AN investigation is underway after a major fire engulfed a warehouse in Widnes.

The cause has not yet been established but it is not thought to have been started deliberately.

The building at Saffil Limited on Tanhouse Lane was well alight when crews arrived shortly before 7pm on Thursday.

Massive plumes of thick black smoke could be seen for miles as the blaze intensified.

Fortunately, employees escaped unharmed.

Station Manager Tony O’Dwyer, senior officer at the scene, said: “This was a significant fire and a large part of the building was ablaze on our arrival.

“Everyone was out of the building so protecting the remaining parts of the premises which were not on fire and contained valuable machinery, and fighting the fire were of paramount importance.”

Around 70 firefighters with aerial support fought the flames from outside.

“Initial firefighting was all done externally due to the structure being unsafe and because of the size of the fire which had engulfed most of the building,” said Mr O’Dwyer.

“All the crews that attended this incident did extremely well tackling the blaze and worked tirelessly throughout the night and for several days damping down deep seated pockets of fire.

“We also worked closely with partner agencies such as police, the Hazardous Area Response Team, Environment Health and Public Health England to ensure the safety of residents in the surrounding area, providing regular advice for them to keep windows and doors closed while the incident was taking place.”

Crews remained at the scene over the weekend.

“Our fire investigation team are now working to identify the cause of the blaze, although it is not thought to be suspicious at this stage,” added Mr O’Dwyer.

Saffil produces high temperature insulation wool products for the automotive and technical textile industries.