AN ENORMOUS fire has led to homeowners being evacuated and 15 engines rushing to the scene.
Fire crews have been battling the blaze in Crewe, Cheshire, since 4.30pm this afternoon and have advised locals to shut their windows and stay indoors.
A number of specialist appliances including the high reach extending turret scorpion also attended the blaze at the disused building.
Photos showed thick black smoke erupting from the empty warehouse this afternoon.
Superintendent Claire Jesson said: “I’d like to reassure local residents that this is believed to be an isolated incident, which is not linked to the recent disorder we’ve seen elsewhere in the county.
“A large number of officers are in attendance at the scene to manage road closures and provide reassurance to the community.
“While our colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service tackle the fire, we would urge residents in the nearby area are advised to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed at this time.
“I would also urge people not to congregate at the scene as it could hamper our response to this incident”
Crews remained there at 9.30pm with a number of road closures in place in the local area.
They said they were making “good progress” with the blaze, but some residents could possibly not make it home tonight.
A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “Cheshire Fire and rescue are currently dealing with a large commercial building fire in Crewe.
“We have multiple patrols on scene with a cordon in place to ensure the safety of nearby residents.
“Please evacuate the area as directed by officers while fire crews are tackling the fire.”
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Catherine Street shortly before 4.30pm on Friday.
Water firm United Utilities said that the use of fire hydrants in the area had disrupted supplies to some customers.
It also warned that sediment in the pipes could discolour water, external for a time afterwards.
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service has issued a warning a person flying a drone at the scene.
“There are reports of a drone flying over and around the incident ground. Please can we ask that drones are not flown around the scene as this is affecting the police drone from assisting us in tackling the fire.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
