Firefighters battle large blaze at Liverpool docks

Firefighters are continuing to use diggers and cranes to break up the scrap pile after fire broke out at recycling facility at Seaforth Docks.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service says progress has been good, enabling greater access to the seat of the fire. The use of diggers and cranes will continue until darkness falls, and firefighting will continue throughout the night.

At the break of day when it is safe to do so, the break up work will continue.

Firefighters have warned residents they will see more smoke as they continue to tackle a fire at Seaforth docks on Merseyside.

Firefighters will be working with staff from the recycling facility to break up the remaining scrap pile with cranes and diggers.

This will give them access to the seat of the fire from above using aerial appliances. Breaking up the fire in this way will result in a significant increase in fire and smoke temporarily.

The public should be aware that there may be an increase in the smell of smoke and if so residents should stay inside and close windows and doors.

Residents with pre-existing health conditions should keep medicine close and if they feel any ill effects.

If you have any concerns about he smoke's impact on your health please contact the NHS 111 service or your GP surgery for advice, following any instructions for out of hours services.

Emergency crews have spent the day dealing with a large fire at a scrap metal recycling facility at Seaforth Docks on Merseyside.

Firefighters worked through the night to bring the blaze under control.

Residents with breathing problems are being advised to stay out of the smoke indoors.

Ralph Blunsom reports:-

Health advice is being issued to nearby residents worried about the impct of the scrap metal fire at Seaforth Dock in Liverpool.

ADVICE FROM EMERGENCY SERVICES

The weather forecast suggests that the smoke plume direction should remain upwards for most of the day and is unlikely to affect people at this time.

However if residents are concerned about smoke they should stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed.

People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual and try to remain out of the smoke.

Anyone with serious concerns about the smoke’s impact on health are asked to contact the NHS 111 service.

Fire crews are still at the scene of a huge blaze on the Liverpool docks after battling the flames throughout last night.

Six fire engines and two aerial units have been trying to put out the fire at a scrap metal recycling plant since the alarm was first raised at 11.20pm on Friday at Seaforth on the waterfront north of Liverpool.

Huge plumes of black smoke have been sent across the city's skies since the fire started.

No injuries have been reported.

Our reporter Ralph Blunsom is at the scene of the blaze:

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service say a large fire at a recycling facility at Seaforth Docks is ongoing.

Firefighters spent the night trying to bring the blaze under control.

There are not currently any road closures in effect around the Seaforth docks area and smoke from the fire is not currently affecting any residential areas.

Emergency crews are dealing with a large fire at a scrap metal recycling facility at Seaforth Docks.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue crews were alerted at 11.20pm last night and firefighters continued to try to control the blaze throughout the night in difficult conditions.

6 fire appliances and two aerial units have been deployed and the fire has been divided into sectors.

The incident is significant and ongoing and is likely to continue for some time yet.