MAJOR FIRE IN WIDNES (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

1:49pm

SPECIALIST heavy lifting equipment will be brought on to the site as fire crews continue to clear the burning debris.

A Cheshire Fire Service spokesman said: "A meeting has taken place on site this morning with building control inspectors and other agencies.

"It was agreed that specialist heavy lifting equipment will be brought onto the site to work alongside fire crews in clearing and damping down the burning debris. This is expected to start later today and it is likely to take several days to complete.

"There is still light smoke coming from the site, so householders in the area are being urged to keep their doors and windows shut."

9:02am

9:00am

FIRE crews are expecting to remain at the scene of a major warehouse blaze in Widnes for the next 24 hours at least.

They have now scaled back their operation and road closures are limited to Johnson’s Lane itself and a 250 metres stretch of Gorsey Lane either side of the junction.

Four fire engines are still at the scene together with two hydraulic platforms and a high volume pump to ensure water supplies to the site.

Group manager Mike Anderson said: “We are working with nearby haulage companies to allow them temporary access to their sites, however, premises immediately adjacent to the site will remain closed while we continue to tackle the incident.” 

The amount of smoke coming off the site has reduced overnight and while there are no immediate safety concerns, further air monitoring is being carried out this morning.

As a precaution, however, householders in the area are being urged to keep their doors and windows shut.

8:58am

9:34pm

5:30pm

FIRE crews remain at the scene of the incident and are continuing to fight the fire.

A Cheshire Fire Service spokesman said residents should continue to keep their doors and windows shut as there is still a large amount of smoke coming from the fire.

This is likely to continue throughout the night and into tomorrow.

He added: "Firefighters are doing all they can to bring this difficult fire under control.

"We would like to thank the community for their patience."

Firefighters warn that the disruption caused to nearby residents and businesses is likely to continue for the next few days.

5:27pm

3:13pm

3:01pm

Firefighters continue to damp down the fire.

There are now eight fire engines at the scene - two aerial platforms, the command unit, one high volume pump, a breathing apparatus vehicle and a welfare unit.

1:52pm

1:16pm

12:05pm

Firefighters remain at the scene fighting the fire, which has now been contained to the warehouse.

Due to the smoke being given off from the site, residents are being urged to stay away from the area and to keep doors and windows closed.

Roads remain closed.

11:11am

11:02am

10:39am

http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/news-events/webcasts/incidents/fire-at-a-warehouse-in-widnes 

Video of the blaze

10:36am

10:08am

10:05am

9:54am

9:46am

9:41am

9:36am

9:32am

Ground monitors are being used around the site to damp down the flames and the hydraulic platform is being used to put water on to the warehouse units where recycling material continues to burn.