A significant fire broke out at a waste recycling plant where more than 700 tons of cardboard were on fire. The incident occurred at a warehouse located on Everite Road in Widnes, Cheshire, leading to the dispatch of multiple fire crews and the declaration of a major emergency.
Witnesses reported the sky above Liverpool turning black due to the blaze, with several explosions and a strong chemical odor making it difficult to breathe in the area. Ash was observed falling from the sky onto Coronation Drive nearby as the fire rapidly spread, posing a risk of the building collapsing, as confirmed by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Residents in the vicinity were advised to keep their windows and doors shut while firefighters worked to contain the fire. The fire service declared it a major incident due to the large size of the fire and smoke plume. No casualties were reported, and all individuals were safely evacuated from the premises.
Several roads, including Everite Road, Hale Road, and Ditchfield Road, were closed due to the fire, with motorists urged to avoid the affected area. Fire engines from various regions, including Widnes, Runcorn, Penketh, and others, were deployed to the scene to assist in extinguishing the fire.
Cheshire Police responded to the incident, managing traffic in the area and confirming no injuries at the time of the report. Road closures and safety precautions were put in place for nearby residents and businesses.
