Cheshire Fire issue update on huge blaze at Widnes recycling plant

Cheshire Fire and Rescue has provided an update on the major fire at a recycling facility in Widnes, which was declared a major incident on Monday, June 22. Smoke plumes visible for more than 30 miles were reported as firefighters were called in from across the North West. The service said the blaze involved around 450 tons of cardboard waste at the centre and advised nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed. Because of the fire’s size and the smoke plume, the agency maintained major incident status while crews extinguished the blaze, and multiple road closures were implemented over fears of possible building collapse. On Tuesday morning, Cheshire Fire said the major incident was stood down before midnight, but firefighters continued overnight using water jets to cool smouldering debris. Around 04:00, attendance was scaled back to three fire engines and three special appliances from Cheshire, plus one special appliance from Greater Manchester, while road closures were expected to remain.