Fire crews have been battling a major blaze at a chicken farm near Nantwich today.
The fire started at around 6.25am at Moors Chicken Farm on Checkley Lane, Bridgemere.
Ten fire engines, from Audlem, Crewe (x2), Nantwich, Middlewich, Congleton, Malpas, Macclesfield, Market Drayton (Shropshire FRS) and Winsford, plus a rapid response rescue unit from Nantwich and a high volume pump are all in attendance.
It has been reported that no chickens were on site at the time of the fire.
A Cheshire Fire Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters are currently in attendance at a large fire in an empty chicken shed of approximately four acres in size, in Checkley Lane, Checkley.
“Firefighters are using multiple hose reels and main jets to fight the fire externally and prevent further spread of the fire.
“There is a large smoke plume so nearby residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed for the time being.
“The incident will be updated as more information is available.”
Witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke for miles around and strong stench in the warm air.
The incident comes just weeks after a massive fire badly damaged a turkey farm barn near Alvaston Hall in Nantwich. More than 3,000 birds died.
That was deemed to have been started accidentally although the exact cause has not been confirmed.
(Images supplied by readers)
Coincidence or something more sinister
Chicken farm fire as seen from Shavington attached.