A huge fire has broken out at a docks this morning, with plumes of smoke seen for miles and those in the area reporting a smell of ‘petrol’.
Huge plumes of smoke were seen reaching toward the sky this morning at around 7.30am. Dramatic photos from the scene show the huge amount of smoke filling the sky as a result of the fire. Nearby residents have also described a smell of “petrol” in the air around the site of the fire, which broke out near Alexandra Docks in Bootle earlier this morning. One person described the fire as “massive” as photos taken by residents across Liverpool show the huge reach of the smoke.
Multiple fire engines and police cars have been spotted at the scene, with traffic being diverted away from the south entrance to the docks. It’s believed that fire crews are still working at the scene to contain the fire.
Lorry drivers at the docks are now facing lengthy delays as their vehicles back up along Regent Road, with drivers reportedly told to expect delays up to six hours due to the fire. Workers at the docks have also been left unable to get into work.
“It could take six hours this. No one is allowed on,” one EMR worker told the Echo. Another said: “Someimtes these things go on for days. It could be a while [before it’s over].”
The Echo’s reporter at the scene, Conaill Corner, described what it’s like down at the docks. Conaill said: “Smoke continues to fill the air of Bootle, while the smell of burnt metal is lingering. It doesn’t smell healthy.”
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed in a statement that they were in attendance at a “scrap metal” fire at the docks on Regent Road. The force said four fire engines were called to the scene along with the high volume pump and a drone being brought in to help control the fire.
In a statement, the fire service said: “Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) are in attendance at an incident on Regent Road, Bootle, on the morning of Monday April 28. Crews were alerted at 6.59am and on scene at 7.05am with four fire engines and the high volume pump attending.
“This is a large pile of scrap metal well alright, measuring approximately 40 metres by 30 metres, and 20 metres high. A crane is in operation to remove combustible material from the pile, with the onsite plant machinery creating a fire break.
“Firefighters used on site main jets fed by a water tank while hydrants were established. The MFRS operational drone has been requested to assist at scene.
“At 7.49am, this incident was sectorised with firefighters utilising two main jets in sector one, and one main jet in sector four to fight the fire. A multiagency meeting has taken place and firefighters are working hard to contain and extinguish the fire This incident is ongoing, please avoid the area.”
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