11 fire crews tackle large-scale industrial blaze

The blaze at British Gypsum-Isover Ltd on Northwich Road broke out shortly before midnight last night, Thursday.

Up to 11 fire engines have been involved in tackling the blaze - with crews eventually leaving on scene at ariund 5pm on Friday.

But all persons have been accounted.

On arrival, crews discovered that fire was coming from a large chimney that releases fumes.

The site - an industrial building measuring approximately 250 metres by 150 metres with three mezzanine floors - was shut down, and the gas and electricity supplies to it were isolated.

Firefighters set up a water supply and discovered that the fire involved fibreglass insulation.

Three firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a 45mm jet to direct water into the base of the chimney via its first floor opening while others used further jets to fight the flames.

With the fire dying down at the head of the chimney, an inspection of the ducting took place in liaison with an on-site expert.

Firefighters fought the fires through the night, and once they were under control crews damped down the affected areas to make them safe.

They also used a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots.

Shortly after 8.30am a further fire was discovered, and crews still remain at the scene tackling it.

A large amount of water used to fight the fire has run off from the site, and the Environment Agency has been informed.

Crews began to withdraw at 10.30am, but are continuing to battle fires in the roof area.

By 5pm, crews completed a final check of the ducting and the chimney.

Upon finding no signs of fire and, satisfied there was no further risk, they left the scene after 17 hours dealing with the incident.