Huge fire rips through industrial site near Liverpool with billowing plume of black smoke seen for miles

Photos posted on social media and supplied to GB News show thick clouds of black smoke filling the sky above the site, visible to residents living miles away from the scene.

The fire service said the blaze involves nearly 700 tons of cardboard waste at the centre, and that all workers are accounted for, with no casualties reported.

Emergency services are advising local residents to keep doors and windows closed while they tackle the blaze from a safe distance, due to fears the building could collapse.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Eight fire engines are dealing with a large fire involving around 700 tons of waste cardboard in a single-storey building measuring approximately 50m x 50m.

"The fire has spread rapidly and is causing a heavy plume of smoke. As such, nearby residents and businesses are advised to keep windows and doors closed."

"Owing to the risk of the building collapsing, firefighters are tackling the blaze from the exterior. All persons are accounted for and no casualties have been reported. Police are managing traffic in the area."

The fire service has announced that the blaze has been declared a "major incident" due to the threat and spread of the flames.

Social media comments claim the fire is visible from near Buxton in the Peak District - around 35 miles from Widnes.

An eyewitness told GB News: "Looks like the fire started at an old recycling plant - roads around it shut, causing traffic all over the town."

Another told local media: "The entire sky over Liverpool is turning black and multiple explosions are currently taking place. It is a big fire. The fire is so big."

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More than 20 fire engines from Widnes, Runcorn, Penketh, Congleton, Warrington, Frodsham and Northwich, plus a weekday fire engine, are currently at the scene.

One eyewitness, a taxi driver, told the Liverpool Echo: "The whole area here smelled of chemicals and it was hard to breathe. I had a passenger and I left."

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "At 4.45pm today, Monday, June 22, police were called to reports of a large fire at a recycling facility on Everite Road, Widnes.

"Officers are at the scene and are assisting Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service with traffic management.

"There are no reports of any injuries at this time.

"Road closures are currently in place on Everite Road, Hale Road and Ditchfield Road, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

"Nearby residents and businesses are also advised to keep windows and doors closed."