A major fire that started in an industrial unit located on Deacon Road in Widnes, Cheshire was reported last Saturday at 7:30 pm, and saw residents evacuated from nearby homes.
A total of nine fire service vehicles were called to attend the overnight incident from stations as far as Chester. A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that the large-scale fire is now under control but about 15 residents from the locale had been evacuated from their houses as a precautionary measure.
The site of the blaze was cordoned off by fire crews within a 50-metre radius, however by around 1:15 am homeowners were able to once more return to their properties.
The fire services confirmed no one was injured by the industrial fire, but residents in the area were warned to keep the doors and windows to their homes firmly closed, and to remain inside until the smoke had time to clear.
Those operating industrial facilities like warehouses and factories around the UK are legally and morally required to have adequate fire prevention measures in place on their premises. These may include fire extinguishers, fire alarms and smoke detectors. Businesses using a fire alarm installation in the Chester and wider Cheshire area should always keep it regularly serviced and maintained to make sure it is operating effectively.
As a result of the large fire, some road closures were put in place around Widnes on Leigh Avenue, Albert Road, Frederick Street, Carey Street, Saxon Terrace, Sayce Street and Kingsway.
