Firefighters called to large fire at pallet yard in Runcorn

Around eight fire engines from Runcorn, Widnes, Warrington and Chester have been dispatched to a pallet yard on Percival Lane to tackle the blaze.

The fire, which is estimated to cover an area of around 60 square metres, was reported at around 1.30pm.

An aerial appliance has also been sent to the scene from Chester Fire Station.

Smoke can be seen in the air for miles around (Image: Ben Powell)

Photos and video footage from the scene show large flames and large plumes of smoke, which can be seen for miles around.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that wooden and plastic pallets are involved in the fire.

An eyewitness at the scene said: “It started off as a couple of pallets at the front of the pallet yard.

“I had only nipped to the scrapyard, and by the time I had finished there, the whole yard had caught fire. I have been stuck here since it started.”

The scene of the fire (Image: Barry Furey)

Motorists and pedestrians are being told to avoid the area around Percival Lane and Weston Point.

Congestion is expected on the roads and the Weston Point Expressway as crews work to bring the fire under control.

Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering homes.

The fire ground has been sectorised and people at local businesses have been informed to stay indoors.