A BLAZE which filled the skies of Birkenhead with plumes of black smoke could have been started deliberately.

Several roads in Birkenhead were closed as the major fire, at an unoccupied warehouse in Thomas Street, sent smoke billowing into the area.

The roof of the single-storey building was all but destroyed in the fire, which involved a large quantity of tyres along with household and building refuse.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service was called to the blaze at around 4.17pm on Monday after receiving more than 30 calls from members of the public.

Borough Road was closed both ways and the smoke also affected Jackson Street between Borough Road East and Blackpool Street.

The roads were reopened to traffic at around 5.30pm.

 

 total of eight fire appliances were in action for close to three hours along with the aerial appliance, which has a platform on the end of an extendable arm to put water on fires from above roof height.

An investigation into the fire is currently underway but fire chiefs believe it could be arson.

Station Manager Steve Gadson said: “Firefighters had to work quickly, during a very warm day and did well to prevent this fire spreading to other buildings in this area of Birkenhead.

"This was an intense fire and firefighters fought the flames from three sides of the building as well as above. When firefighters arrived flames could be seen coming through parts of the roof of the warehouse.

“Eight fire appliances attended the scene to make sure we had enough firefighters at the scene to control, contain and extinguish the fire safely.

“The fire was brought under control and firefighters worked to extinguish the flames at the site.”

A spokesman for the service added:  “The fire involved a large quantity of tyres along with household and building refuse which created thick smoke.

“The fire was a suspected deliberate ignition but the investigation into the fire continues.”