A significant fire broke out at a recycling plant where over 700 tons of cardboard were ablaze. The incident occurred at a warehouse on Everite Road in Widnes, Cheshire, prompting the dispatch of multiple fire crews and the declaration of a major emergency. Witnesses described the sky over Liverpool turning black due to the fire, with reports of explosions and a strong chemical odor making it difficult to breathe in the area.

Ash was observed falling from the sky onto Coronation Drive nearby. The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire was rapidly spreading, posing a risk of the building collapsing. Residents in the vicinity were advised to keep their windows and doors shut while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Due to the size of the fire and smoke plume, authorities declared it a major incident and reiterated the advice to keep windows and doors closed until the fire was extinguished. Fire officials reported that the fire involved around 700 tons of waste cardboard in a large single-story building, with the blaze spreading quickly and generating heavy smoke.

Firefighters were battling the fire from the exterior due to the risk of the building collapsing. All individuals were safely evacuated, and there were no reported casualties. Police managed traffic in the affected area, which led to road closures on Everite Road, Hale Road, and Ditchfield Road, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

Fire engines from various districts, including Widnes, Runcorn, Penketh, Congleton, Warrington, Frodsham, and Northwich, along with a weekday fire engine, were deployed to the scene. A spokesperson for Cheshire Police stated that they were assisting with traffic management and that there were no injuries reported at that time. Road closures remained in effect, and residents and businesses were urged to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.