UPDATE: PARTS of Warrington town centre were cordoned off and residents advised to keep windows and doors closed as eight fire crews tackled a blaze in a disused building on Barbauld Street shortly before 1pm today, Monday.
Crews from Warrington, one fire engine and an aerial ladder platform from Lymm, Northwich and two fires engine from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended at the scene at around 1pm and were later joined by crews from Powey Lane, Chester and Knutsford.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet to tackle the fire.
At 14:07 further hose reel jets were used to fight the fire, and the aerial ladder platform was used to access the roof space. Police cordoned off the area to allow firefighters to deal with the incident.
Update at 15:12: Firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze on scene.
Update at 16:45: The cordon was increased by the police and a number of roads were closed around Warrington town centre. Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke plume.
Update at 17:05: the following roads are currently closed – Sankey Street, Cairo Street, Ryland Street, Paper Lane and Barbauld Street.
Please continue to avoid the area.
Update at 17:35: The incident was reduced to four fire engines, the aerial ladder platform and the High Reach Extending Turret. Road closures remained in place at this time and local residents are asked to keep windows and doors closed for the time being.
Update at 19:25: The fire was now under control and the smoke plume reduced considerably. One fire engine and an aerial ladder platform are likely to stay at the scene overnight.
Road closures remain in place on Barbauld Street, Bridge Street and Cairo Street.
The fire in Barbauld Street – Picture Cheshire Fire
