EIR Request 1926

Subject: Historical fires at 5 sites in Widnes

Status: Complete

Date received: September 2023

Question Asked

Site Address A - Ditton Road, Widnes, approximate postcode WA8 0WS

Grid Reference A - 350824 385000

Site Address B - Ditton Road, Widnes, WA9 0NS

Grid Reference B - 351000 384888

Site Address E - Victoria Road, Widnes, WA8 0WS

Grid Reference E - 351246 384736

Site Address G - Land North of Hutchinson Street, Widnes, WA8 0BF

Grid Reference G - 351322 384840

Site Address J - Hutchinson Street, Widnes, WA8 0FD

Grid Reference J - 350965 384549

For the above locations, we would be obliged if you could supply the following information:

Details of any fires reported at the address, including the following:
- Dates of the fire(s)
- Reference numbers associated with the incidents
- Nature and scale of the fire(s), and
- Cause of the fire(s)
Details of the fire fighting fluids or materials used, including:
- Whether PFAS containing fire fighting foams were used (please note that this is an important consideration for our desk study)
- Whether just water was used
- The volumes used to put out the fires
- Details of any reported run-off into drains or the ground etc

Our Response:

Please find below the data requested for incidents attended by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service at the locations provided.

Data provided is from incidents attended by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service between 1st April 2016 to date. Information regarding volumes of fire fighting fluids/materials used and run off are not recorded so cannot be provided.

Site A Location

0 fires were attended at this location between the dates above.

Site B Location

2 fires were attended at this location between the dates above.

Date of Fire	Ref No	Type of Fire	Size of Fire	Cause of Fire	PFAS Used?	Was only water used?
13/08/2017	1708004498	Large refuse/rubbish container (eg skip)	11 - 20 sqm	Accidental - Controlled burning	No	Yes
09/08/2022	2208003356	Recycling Plant	Up to 5 sqm	Accidental - Other intentional burning, going out of control	No	Yes

Site E Location

1 fire was attended at this location between the dates above.

Date of Fire	Ref No	Type of Fire	Size of Fire	Cause of Fire	PFAS used?	Was only water used?
09/11/2017	1711004271	Electrical Sub-Station	Up to 5 sqm	Accidental - Faulty fuel supply - electricity	No	Fire was out on arrival

Site G Location

0 fires were attended at this location between the dates above.

Site J Location

1 fire was attended at this location between the dates above.

Date of Fire	Ref No	Type of Fire	Size of Fire	Cause of Fire	PFAS used?	Was only water used?
28/03/2022	2003009474	Loose refuse	6 - 10 sqm	Deliberate - Lighted paper or card, or other naked flame	No	Yes

Outcome: Information Provided

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action:: NO

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Last updated: Friday, 30 January 2026