A huge blaze has engulfed a warehouse which handles hazardous waste, sending huge plumes of smoke into the sky.
Explosions have been heard coming from the Remondis site on Carr Lane, Prescot, Merseyside, since the fire started at about 06:00 GMT.
Fire crews have not yet confirmed what materials are handled at the site but have advised residents nearby to keep doors and windows closed.
Forty business premises at Prescot Business Park have been evacuated.
Half of the building is alight and part of the building is beginning to collapse, the fire service said. No injuries have been reported.
Photo: Smoke from the Formby Bypass – Credit Scott Harrison
‘Audible explosion’
The fire service said up to 80 firefighters were tackling the blaze at its height.
It said the site which was built in 2012 could “burn for days”.
“We have made good progress. The smoke has reduced and we are receiving advice from the Environment Agency on any risks to health,” said the fire service.
It added any residents with pre-existing medical issues or residents with concerns about the smoke’s impact on their health should contact the NHS 111 service or their GP surgery.
Report by bbc
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