A huge fire engulfed an industrial estate warehouse causing plumes of thick black smoke to pour out into the sky.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) crews were scrambled to the Aintree Industrial Park, on Wareing Road, early this morning after reports of a fire inside a two-storey building. Crews from six engines arrived at the scene at 5.14am after receiving calls just minutes before.
A spokesperson for the service confirmed the building, around 100 by 30 metres in size, was "fully involved in fire". The complex operation saw crews tackle the blaze in multiple locations around the building, including from above with an aerial appliance.
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It is believed the fire ripped through multiple units within the building. It is currently not known what businesses are in the fire-damaged building.
Early this morning huge plumes of black smoke poured out into the sky and drifted in the direction of Longmoor Lane. Nearby residents and businesses were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
When the ECHO arrived at the scene shortly after 7am, the smoke had formed a cloudy haze that hung over the nearby Archbishop Beck Catholic College. The school was closed due to it being a Bank Holiday.
Merseyside Police was also in attendance and a cordon was put in place on either side of the building on Brookfield Drive. Traffic was diverted away from the area while fire crews worked at the scene.
Dozens of people who work in the industrial park began arriving for their shifts from 7am, but were told the cordon would be in place for a considerable length of time. A large number of cars parked along Long Lane with workers waiting for information about when they could get into the industrial park.
One man told the ECHO he had only come into work to ease his Tuesday workload, while another, wearing a Dulux uniform, added he was going home because it was clear he couldn't get to the shop. The industrial estate was completely closed due to the extensive cordon blocking off all the entrances.
A fire service spokesperson later confirmed firefighters had made good progress externally and had cut their way into the building. Cadent and Scottish Power were also assisting with operations by isolating utilities at the site.
A North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) vehicle arrived shortly after 10am. The ECHO is currently unaware of any injuries and has approached NWAS for comment.
People have been advised to avoid the area where possible. Regarding the smoke, a spokesperson for MFRS said: "If you have an existing medical condition, keep medicines nearby and if any ill effects are experienced call NHS 111."
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