UPDATES: Firefighters battle huge scrapyard blaze in Kirkdale
There's a warning from Merseyside Fire and Rescue about risks to health because of the incident
Last updated 27th Sep 2021
Around 150 old cars have been involved in a huge fire at a Liverpool scrapyard.
Firefighters have been at the scene since 10.33pm on Saturay (25th September) - and are asking people in Kirkdale to keep windows and doors closed.
People are also being urged to avoid Derby Road if possible, because of large amounts of smoke.
UPDATE: 10pm, 26th September 2021
The incident continues, with 9 fire engines and three aerial appliances still on scene fighting the fire. Firefighting tactics remain constant in arduous conditions.
Firefighting will continue until the fire is fully extinguished.
UPDATE: 4.00pm Sunday 26 September
The incident is ongoing with the tactical plan continuing to be to break up the scrap involved in the fire so it can be fully extinguished.
Air quality remains poor so residents should continue to heed earlier advice to keep doors and windows shut.
The incident is likely to continue for a considerable amount of time.
UPDATE: 12pm, 26th September 2021
Firefighting is continuing at the scene of the blaze, with crews from Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester assisting Merseyside Fire and Rescue.
Specialist tools are being used to access parts of the fire still alight.
A statement adds: 'There is still a large amount of smoke and poor air quality in the area, please avoid the area and local residents should continue to keep doors and windows shut - the incident is ongoing. More information to follow.'
UPDATE: 8am, 26th September 2021
Merseyside Fire and Rescue have revealed more information about the ongoing response to the incident.
Their latest incident update reads: 'Firefighting has continued throughout the night in what has been a challenging incident. Firefighters have been dealing with two main seats of fire, with one around 50 x 20 metres in one area and another involving around 150 scrap cars. Fire had also spread to the main building of the scrapyard. A multi agency meeting took place at 1.30am which discussed firefighting tactics, risks at the site, water supplies, firefighter welfare and the minimisation of any environmental issues from water run-off. High Volume Pumps were in use throughout the night to ensure effective water supplies.
'At 3.00am and 4.30am further multi agency meetings took place which developed a containment strategy involving site operators using plant machinery to spread out waste to enable firefighters to access and extinguish in limited space.
'Specialist equipment and ground monitors are in use at the site this morning as the fire continues. There are still significant smoke plumes in the area and the air quality is poor. Please avoid the area. Local residents should continue to keep doors and windows closed and stay inside if possible. Keep medication for existing conditions close and if any ill effects are experienced dial NHS 111 for advice.
'The incident is ongoing, more updates to follow.'
Earlier we reported:
Firefighters have spent the night battling a huge blaze at a scrapyard in the Kirkdale area of Liverpool.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue crews were called out at 10.30pm last night (25th September).
Police were called in to close roads around the area, with people urged to keep windows and doors closed, and stay away.
In the latest update, at 1.55am (26th September), 15 fire engines and 3 aerial appliances were fighting the fire.
A pump was also set up to draw water from the docks for firefighting.
The site of the blaze covers 50x50 metres.
In a statement overnight, Merseyside Fire and Rescue added: 'Residents and businesses nearby should close windows and doors. If you have an existing medical condition, keep medicine close and if any ill effects are experienced dial NHS 111 for advice.
'Dealing with the incident is likely to be a protracted and lengthy process which will continue throughout the night.'