Newton-le-Willows fire: Live updates as 20 fire engines tackle blaze at recycling centre

The fire, which has been declared a major incident, can be seen from as far away as St Annes.

It is understood the incident happened at a recycling facility with a yard containing large piles of plastic pallets, all of which were quickly engulfed in flames along with a number of nearby trees.

The blaze then spread to the main building on site, an eyewitness said.

The fire is located next to the Newton-le-Willows Household Recycling Centre, which was immediately shut to the public.

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Eyewitness David O'Connor spoke of the terrifying moments the fire took hold.

He said: "As we were driving to the tip we could see a big cloud of black smoke coming from the direction we were travelling.

"When we arrived we saw the fire at the recycling site next to the tip.

"The speed that the fire spread was tremendous. It just engulfed everything. Trees were self-igniting."

Parts of Wigan borough closest to the site, such as Haydock, Lowton and Ashton, are being directly affected by the huge column of smoke and residents there are being urged to keep their doors and windows shut.

The council has advised people to follow the advice being given by Merseyside Police.

The smoke is drifting northwards and can be seen over large swathes of Lancashire.

The large amounts of burning plastic makes it likely that toxic chemicals are being released.

A total of 20 fire engines are in attendance trying to tackle the huge blaze, which Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service says measures around 30 metres by 15 metres.

Crews were on scene at around 11.15am on Wednesday.

Firefighters are working in extremely challenging conditions with the heat being generated from the flames.

Tankers from United Utilities have been brought in to help increase the water pressure.

Emergency services evacuated a caravan site close to the incident, but there are not thought to be any casualties.

As the site is close to a railway line regional train services running along that route are delayed by up to 60 mins, operator Northern said on social media. The problems are likely to continue until at least 5pm.

Anyone with existing medical conditions in areas being affected by smoke should keep medicine nearby and call NHS 111 if ill effects occur, the fire service said.