200 tonnes of waste paper sparks fire at Wigan industrial estate

Plumes of smoke could be seen from miles away, rising from the Kirkless Industrial Estate in Aspull. The fire broke out shortly before 7pm on Friday May 29.

Seven fire engines were called to the scene and firefighters urged local residents to keep their windows and doors closed while the crews worked to extinguish the fire.

A statement from the fire service this morning said: "Four fire engines and a high volume pump remain at the scene of a fire at Kirkless Industrial Estate this morning.

"Crew were initially called to the scene in Aspull at 6.55pm last night.

"Firefighters are working with site owners to dampen down any remaining pockets of fire.

"Staff on site are using heavy machinery to break down paper bales with firefighters putting water onto hot spots.

"GMFRS are expected to be at the incident throughout the day."

A message from the Editorial Director, Gillian Parkinson:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy when you pop out for your essential shop or subscribing for delivery.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: "Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role."

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE:

You can subscribe for delivery by contacting us at [email protected] or calling us on 0330 4033004 for details of a participating newsagent near you.