MORE than 50 firefighters are dealing with a large fire in Runcorn this afternoon, Thursday.

Eight fire engines from Runcorn, Widnes, Warrington and Chester have been dispatched to a pallet yard on Percival Lane to tackle the blaze.

The fire was reported at around 1.30pm, with specialist equipment sent to the scene, including an aerial ladder platform, the Scorpion high reach extending turret and a high volume pump.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service says the fire is under control, and while firefighters remain at the scene, there is no longer a smoke plume, so residents can now reopen doors and windows.

Runcorn and Widnes World: Smoke can be seen in the air for miles around (Image: Ben Powell)Smoke can be seen in the air for miles around (Image: Ben Powell)

Photos and video footage from the scene showed large flames and plumes of smoke when it broke out, which could be seen for miles around.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that wooden and plastic pallets are involved in the fire.

An eyewitness at the scene said: “It started off as a couple of pallets at the front of the pallet yard.

“I had only nipped to the scrapyard, and by the time I had finished there, the whole yard had caught fire. I have been stuck here since it started.”

Runcorn and Widnes World: The scene of the fire (Image: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)The scene of the fire (Image: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Motorists and pedestrians are being told to avoid the area around Percival Lane and Weston Point.

Congestion is expected on the roads and the Weston Point Expressway as crews work to bring the fire under control.

Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering homes.

The fire ground has been sectorised and people at local businesses were informed to stay indoors.