Liverpool Docks fire: Emergency services battle 'large and well-developed' blaze at Seaforth docks

The fire has burned strongly for more than 12 hours 

Will Worley
Saturday 22 October 2016 17:24 BST
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Six fire engines and two aerial units have been trying to put out the fire at a scrap metal recycling plant
Six fire engines and two aerial units have been trying to put out the fire at a scrap metal recycling plant

A huge fire has been burning through the night on a Liverpool docks, sending huge plumes of smoke across the city.

The emergency services were contacted at 11.20 pm on Friday and six fire engines and two combined platform ladders were still attempting to put down the blaze at a scrap metal works in the Seaforth area late on Saturday.

No injuries have been reported but local media reported residents were forced to close their windows because of smoke in the air.

Aerial ladders were used to tackle the blaze

Fire crews tackle the blaze (Mersey Fire/PA wire )

Social media posts suggested the fumes were blown across the Mersey towards the Wirral.

Ben Ryder, group manager at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said: "On arrival, crews discovered a large and well-developed fire.

"Crews immediately requested additional resources, which included six fire appliances, a high-volume pump, a command unit and two aerial units.

"There has been excellent liaison with partner organisations such as Port Police and the Environment Agency and crews have worked hard in arduous conditions to surround and control the fire.

"Great consideration has been taken to reduce the risk to the environment in terms of water run-off and the smoke plume.

"Business continuity at the dock has been maintained effectively throughout the incident, with ships able to load and unload without disruption."

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service vowed to keep fighting the fire until it was fully extinguished.

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