Over 60 firefighters have been tackling a ‘major warehouse blaze’ at a recycling warehouse in Widnes, Cheshire, after a fire broke out at the site at 9.35pm last night (21 October).

Fifteen fire engines from Cheshire Fire Services were called to the JL Sorting paper and plastics warehouse after receiving reports that the 60 by 30 metre building was alight.

The flames have now spread to two neighbouring units (also used for recycling) by way of recycled products stored outside the warehouse.

Firefighters have been working throughout the night to prevent gas cylinders also present on site from catching alight.

Eight ground monitor jets, a hydraulic platform and a high volume pump are still being used in an attempt to tackle the heart of the fire, and local units are working together to minimise the surrounding flames and their environmental impact.

As a precaution, Cheshire Fire Services has warned local residents to keep doors and windows shut to avoid smoke damage and inhalation, although tests have shown that the fumes are not toxic.

Drivers have also been asked to avoid the surrounding area as hoses supplying the high volume pump are blocking entrances to several nearby roads.

A recent update reveals that the fire is unlikely to be under control until tomorrow (23 October), with ten fire engines still remaining on site.

Ground monitors have established that the blaze has affected an area measuring approximately 300 metres by 100 metres.

Warehouse fires such as this are fairly common, with recycling facilities being particularly susceptible due to the large volumes of flammable materials often stored on site (in this case paper). Last week a Material Recycling Facility (MRF) at Caythorpe, Lincolnshire caught fire, becoming the latest in a series of warehouse blazes.