Fire at garage in Newton-le-Willows sends black smoke into skies

Six fire engines are tackling the flames at the site off Bleasdale Road, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed.

Firefighters were called shortly after 9pm and spent more than two hours at the scene tackling the blaze, leaving at around 11.15pm.

Residents have been sharing pictures of black smoke billlowing into the skies.

There are no reports of any injuries.

A fire service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found an industrial unit, approximately 20m x 10m, well alight. The fire had spread to adjacent units.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus gained access to the property. Two hose reel branches are in use, as well as main branches.

“Merseyside Police are also in attendance.

“Crews have worked hard to bring the fire under control with the incident expected to be scaled down shortly.

“Firefighters are checking the adjacent units for further fire spread.

“Nearby residents and businesses are advised to keep their windows and doors shut. Anyone with existing medical conditions should keep medicines close by and call NHS 111 if ill effects occur."

They added: "The unit involved, believed to be a car maintenance garage, was severely damaged by fire.

"The front entrance of the property suffered severe smoke damage and the adjacent warehousing suffered 30 per cent damage by smoke.

"An investigation into the cause of the fire will be carried out in due course."