Cheshire farm hearth as two large rooster sheds left fully charred and gutted
A huge fire has gutted a chicken farm in Cheshire, with 10 fire engines deployed as an ‘enormous smoke trail’ hung over the area and residents were urged to keep doors and windows closed
Firefighters tackled a large building fire near Bridgemere(Image: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)
A massive blaze has completely destroyed a chicken farm and left an “enormous smoke trail” looming over a part of Cheshire.
Ten fire engines have been dispatched to The Grange on Checkley Lane, near Bridgemere, with local residents being advised to keep their doors and windows shut, “due to the large amount of smoke”, according to fire crews.
The fire erupted this morning at around 6:30am, with firefighters still at the scene more than 12 hours later. Shocking photos shared by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service reveal a totally ruined and charred chicken shed approximately four acres in size – equivalent to more than two football pitches.
Motorists on the M6 and residents in nearby areas reported seeing a substantial plume of smoke billowing from the scene, reports the Mirror.
“I saw this enormous smoke trail as I was coming down the M6 so I followed it and ended up at Betley Village Hall,” one motorist told the BBC. “I’m just witnessing this huge, huge smoke cloud.”
Several specialist vehicles, including an aerial ladder platform and high-volume pumps, have been deployed to combat the blaze.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue stated: “Firefighters are currently in attendance at a large fire in an empty chicken shed of approximately four acres in size, in Checkley Lane, Checkley.
“Firefighters are using multiple hose reels and main jets to fight the fire externally and prevent further spread of the fire. There is a large smoke plume so nearby residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed for the time being.”
Aaron Collis, Area Manager at Cheshire Fire and Rescue, said: “At approximately 06:30am, firefighters were called to a significant fire at an empty chicken shed in Checkley.
“At the height of the incident, ten fire engines from across Cheshire, with support from Staffordshire and Shropshire, alongside a range of specialist appliances, were in attendance. Due to the significant smoke plume, a major incident was initially declared, although this has since been stood down.
“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all emergency service personnel involved, good progress has been made throughout the day, and the incident has now been partially scaled back. We are continuing to work with the owners of the site to ensure operations can continue safely.
“We would like to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation while the smoke has remained visible in the area. Anyone nearby is advised to continue keeping doors and windows closed if affected by smoke.
“A joint investigation with Cheshire Constabulary into the cause of the fire will be commenced in due course.”
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