FIRE crews have spent most of the day tackling a large blaze that broke out at a recycling centre.
The blaze took hold in a waste area at the building on Cornwall Street in Parr, at the industrial estate.
Fire crews were alerted at 5.40am.
Black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from across the borough. At times the plume of smoke was around 30 metres high.
It left the smell of smoke hanging in the air at communities a few miles away throughout Saturday.
Residents and businesses have been advised to keep their windows and doors shut.
Anyone with ill effects has been asked to call NHS 111, while people with existing health conditions should keep medicines nearby.
Firefighters have used both water and foam to control and prevent it from spreading.
Ady Ball shared the image of the thick smoke (above) on social media
Fire crews are tackling the blaze (pics by Robbob)
Gerry Brady’s image shows the smoke plume over St Helens
Crews and two combined platform ladders are in attendance.
The fire, involving plastic and waste, measured 50m x 50m at its height.
Cornwall Street was closed in both directions as a result.
Video by Gerry Brady
A statement from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service read: “Crews arrived to find an area of waste 50x50 metres on fire.
“Crews are using compressed air foam to fight the fire.”
The incident is ongoing.
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