FIREFIGHTERS remain at the scene of a large fire which caused large plumes of smoke to rise miles into the air yesterday, Thursday.
This is the latest update provided by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service today, Friday.
The fire broke out at a wood and plastic pallet yard on Percival Lane, with more than 50 firefighters from across Cheshire drafted in to help.
In the latest update, the fire service confirmed that crews still present at the scene are using a hose reel and ground monitors to damp the area down.
They are using an onsite digger to turn over materials and expose hot spots of fire.
Fire engines from Birchwood and Knutsford fire stations remain at the site, working to make the area safe.
At its height, 12 fire engines were sent to the incident which broke out at around 1.30pm, as well as specialist equipment including an aerial ladder platform, Scorpion high reach extending turret and a high volume pump.
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.
Firefighters reported that the blaze was under control by 4.45pm, with operations scaled back from that point.
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.”
Motorists and pedestrians were told to avoid the area around Percival Lane and Weston Point, while residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here