FOUR fire engines were dispatched to Runcorn as firefighters tackle a garage fire this morning, Thursday.

Crews from Runcorn, Widnes, Penketh and Lymm fire stations, aided by an aerial ladder platform from Chester Fire Station, were present at the scene in Burrard Road, Halton Brook.

Emergency services were called to the fire at 10.30am, and on arrival firefighters discovered that the blaze had broken out in a garage attached to a two-storey semi-detached house.

Everyone in the property was accounted for.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said that the fire is believed to have started accidentally, caused by an electrical fault.

Waste collectors noticed the fire and raised the alarm.

An inner and outer cordon was set up, a water supply was established and gas and electricity supplies were isolated.

Upon inspection, there were no signs of fire or heat damage to the property except some light smoke logging.

A large fan was used to clear smoke from the house and windows were closed to prevent more smoke from entering.

Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, used specialist cutting equipment to remove the garage door to enable better access to the fire.

A short extension ladder was also used to gain access to the garage's roof and remove tiles from it.

Debris from the garage is being damped down and removed and a thermal imaging camera is being used to look for hotspots and monitor temperatures.

The junction of Brackendale and Halton Brook Avenue is currently closed due to the fire, as is Halton Brook Avenue to the junction with Meadway.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.