Ten fire engines from Audlem, Crewe, Nantwich, Middlewich, Congleton, Winsford, Malpas, Cheadle (Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service), Market Drayton (Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service) and Whitchurch (Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service).
A number of specialist appliances, including the high-reach extending turret from Macclesfield, aerial ladder platform from Chester, water bowser, welfare unit, high-volume pumps from Cheshire and Greater Manchester and a command unit from Shropshire.
Details
Firefighters are currently in attendance at a large fire in an empty chicken shed of approximately four acres in size, in Checkley Lane, Checkley.
Firefighters are using multiple hose reels and main jets to fight the fire externally and prevent further spread of the fire.
There is a large smoke plume so nearby residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed for the time being.
The incident will be updated as more information is available.
UPDATE AT 08:00
Our control room is receiving a number of duplicate calls about this incident due to the visibility of the smoke plume. If you are nearby and can see a large smoke plume, please be assured we are aware of the incident and are at the scene.
UPDATE AT 08:15
Firefighters are using main jets, ground monitors and water from the high reach extendable turret to fight the fire externally. An aerial ladder platform from Chester is also now in attendance for the provision of additional water from height.
UPDATE AT 09:35
Firefighters are still on scene, and making good progress.
Two hose reel jets are being used to extinguish the fire and prevent fire spread.
UPDATE AT 10:30
The incident has been sectorised, and firefighters are continuing to tackle the fire with hose reels jets. The drone is being used to monitor the scale of the incident.
UPDATE AT 12:00
The High Reach Extending Turret (HRET) Scorpion is being used to fight the fire by spraying water from above. A water shuttle has also been set up to assist with tackling the incident.
UPDATE AT 13:15
The HRET continues to damp down hotspots within the building. The incident has now been partially scaled back, with some fire appliances leaving the scene.
UPDATE AT 14:40
Aaron Collis, Area Manager at Cheshire Fire and Rescue, said:
“At approximately 06:30 am, firefighters were called to a significant fire at an empty chicken shed in Checkley.
At the height of the incident, ten fire engines from across Cheshire, with support from Staffordshire and Shropshire, alongside a range of specialist appliances, were in attendance. Due to the significant smoke plume, a major incident was initially declared, although this has since been stood down.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all emergency service personnel involved, good progress has been made throughout the day, and the incident has now been partially scaled back. We are continuing to work with the owners of the site to ensure operations can continue safely.
We would like to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation while the smoke has remained visible in the area. Anyone nearby is advised to continue keeping doors and windows closed if affected by smoke.
A joint investigation with Cheshire Constabulary into the cause of the fire will be commenced in due course.”
UPDATE AT 16:00
The incident has been reduced to two fire engines and the HRET appliance. The scene is still being dampened down. Firefighters are expected to remain on scene for some time.
