Firefighters tackle blaze at Checkley poultry shed

Firefighters are working to extinguish a fire at a large, vacant chicken shed located on Checkley Lane in Checkley.

The shed, which covers approximately four acres, caught fire early this morning, leading to a significant smoke plume visible in the area.

Residents in the vicinity have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to the large amount of smoke.

A total of ten fire engines from various locations, including Audlem, Crewe, and Nantwich, along with specialist appliances, are on site to control the blaze.

These include a high-reach extending turret from Macclesfield and an aerial ladder platform from Chester.

Water bowser, welfare unit, high-volume pumps from Cheshire and Greater Manchester, as well as a command unit from Shropshire, are also assisting in the operation.

At 08:00 am, the control room reported receiving duplicate calls about the smoke, reassuring callers that the situation is being addressed.

Later updates at 08:15 am and 09:35 am noted that main jets, ground monitors, and water from the high-reach extending turret were being used, with progress being made to contain the fire.

Firefighters continue to battle the blaze using hose reel jets to prevent its spread.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.