THESE dramatic pictures show the thick plumes of heavy smoke billowing across St Helens as firefighters tackled a blaze at a disused gas holder.

At the height of the fire, more than 140 concerned neighbours bombarded the fire department control centre with calls.

Approximately 40 firefighters, eight fire engines and specialist fire units were called to the site off Jackson Street at around 3.30pm yesterday (April 13).

The fire was finally brought under control during the night, but crews remained at the scene to prevent any re-ignition.

Station Manager John McNeill said: “Crews have worked tirelessly through the night and managed to contain any further outbreaks.

“Fire crews are still in attendance and are monitoring internal conditions with thermal imagery cameras. It is expected that they will remain in attendance throughout the day.”

A spokesperson from the National Grid added: “We can confirm that there was a minor fire inside the holder, which was quickly brought under control. We have launched an investigation into the cause.”

The fire service will launch their own investigation once the threat of further fires has been extinguished.