The cause of the fire is still to be established by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
The cause of the fire is still to be established by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
A fire broke out on a Bootle scrap yard, sending up enormous plumes of smoke that could be seen from as far as New Brighton. Firefighters were called to the blaze, which was said to have broken out in a “confined area” within a garage on Hawthorne Road, Bootle, at around 12.15pm today, April 10.
Residents were ordered to close their windows as Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service urged people to avoid the area. Hawthorne Road was cordoned off by police from Linacre Lane to Harris Drive, with the number 52 bus to Queen Square being apparently stranded inside the cordon.
The cause of the fire is yet to be established by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. However, a member of staff at the garage told the ECHO they believed the blaze could have been caused by a vape.
No injuries have been reported. Fire engines parked outside the MOT Testing Station and in the neighbouring Arriva bus depot as crews tackled the fire.
A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Crews were alerted at 12.15pm and on scene at 12.22pm, with five fire engines in attendance.
“Crews arrived to find a single storey garage around 10 metres by 20 metres in size, with two cars and scrap metal involved in a fire. Main branch hoses are in use with firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and a hydrant feed has been established.
“The fire has been divided into sectors with firefighters fighting the fire externally and checking for fire spread with thermal imaging cameras. Merseyside Police are also in attendance.
“Residents and businesses nearby should keep doors and windows closed. If you have an existing medical condition keep medication close and if any ill effects are experienced dial NHS 111 for advice.”
The firefighting operation appeared to be scaling down at 2.30pm. Hawthorne Road was reopened and traffic returned to normal.
In an update provided at 3.45pm, fire services said: “Firefighters have made good progress, enabling the incident to be scaled down, with two fire engines remaining at the scene. Fire crews are dampening down the area involved and checking for hotspots.
“Merseyside Police have removed cordons and traffic can now flow freely along Hawthorne Road. It is no longer necessary for residents and businesses to keep doors and windows closed.”
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