A huge fire which broke out at an industrial estate has been declared as a "major incident" by the fire service.
20 fire engines are currently at the scene on Sankey Valley Industrial Estate in Newton-le-Willows, St Helens as crews work to bring the blaze under control.
Follow our live blog for updates on the fire here
They were called at 11.08am today, May 20 and arrived on scene at 11.15 with four engines.
However, a short time later more fire engines were deployed to help bring the blaze under control.
A spokesperson from Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: "This has now been declared a major incident. 20 fire engines are now in attendance, as well as the combined platform ladder, high volume pump and incident command unit.
"Firefighters are working in really challenging heat conditions.
"Road closures are in place around the area. Please avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed."
A number of people have been evacuated from a caravan site in the area by Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue.
A spokesperson from the fire service said there have been no reports of any casualties.
People are being asked to avoid the area, while residents and businesses closeby are urged to keep their windows and doors shut.
Dozens of photos and videos of the fire have been shared on social media today, with people seeing plumes of smoke billowing across parts of Merseyside, Wigan, Warrington and as far as Greater Manchester.
Writing on Facebook one woman said: "I can see flames keep shooting up from my bedroom window in Parr, looks really bad!"
While another said: "I can see the smoke near Padgate Lane, Warrington. Hope everyone fighting if stays safe."
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