Key Points
- Fire crews continue at the Fiddlers Ferry power station following a fire which broke out just before 1 pm on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
- Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service stated that there was a fire in a large industrial building in the decommissioned power station site, close to Warrington.
- Investigations are still underway, but it is believed that the fire erupted due to an accident.
- According to Peel NRE, which is engaged in the redeveloping of the site, the area has been evacuated safely, and there were no injuries suffered by anyone.
- A562 Widnes Road remained blocked in the eastern direction between Dan’s Road Roundabout in Widnes and Warrington; the road has been reopened by about 3 pm according to The Warrington Guardian.
- People living nearby were recommended to shut all windows and doors while firefighters are dealing with the smoke and fire.
- The fire crews have been using an aerial ladder platform and a high-reach extendable turret; thermal imaging cameras have been used to detect hotspots.
- It seems like the fire is contained within the chimney area, all people present on site accounted by about 2 pm.
- The coal-fired power station ceased operation in 2020 and is being redeveloped
Liverpool Fire (Liverpool standard) October 16, 2026 — Firefighters were still working at the former Fiddlers Ferry power station on Friday after a large fire broke out in an industrial unit at the decommissioned site on Thursday afternoon. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted shortly before 1pm and that crews from across Cheshire attended the scene.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the fire service said in a Friday-morning update that crews remained at the scene, with parts of the building removed so the high-reach extendable turret could continue dampening down. It said thermal imaging cameras were used to check for hotspots and relief crews were in place.
A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews remain at the scene. Areas of the building were removed, allowing the HRET to continue dampening down. Thermal imaging cameras were used to check for hotspots. Relief crews are in place.”
Was the Fiddlers Ferry Fire Deliberate?
The fire service said the investigation remains ongoing, but added that it is believed the fire started accidentally.
The spokesperson said: “Investigations are still ongoing, however it is believed the fire started accidentally.”
No injuries were reported. Peel NRE, which is involved in the redevelopment of the former power station site, said the area had been safely evacuated and that there were no casualties.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, a Peel NRE spokesperson said: “We are aware of the incident at Fiddlers Ferry, the site has been safely evacuated, and the emergency services are in attendance.”
The spokesperson added: “We can confirm there are no casualties and we will, of course, fully cooperate with any investigations into the cause of the fire.”
Which Roads Were Closed During the Fire?
Cheshire Police closed the A562 Widnes Road eastbound from Dan’s Road Roundabout in Widnes to Warrington while emergency services responded.
The Warrington Guardian reported that the road had reopened by 3pm, while fire crews continued work to extinguish the fire.
People living nearby were advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service issued that advice while firefighters tackled the blaze and smoke rose from the site.
How Did Firefighters Respond?
Fire crews established inner and outer cordons, secured a water source and deployed an aerial ladder platform to get water to the affected area.
By 3.50pm on Thursday, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said five fire engines, an aerial ladder platform and a high-reach extendable turret were still at the scene.
The service said the blaze appeared to be contained within a chimney area. It also confirmed that everyone present at the site had been accounted for by around 2pm.
The Manchester Evening News reported that fire appliances from Penketh, Widnes, Runcorn, Lymm and Birchwood, along with a weekday unit from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, were dispatched to the incident.
What Did Witnesses See?
Footage shared on social media showed flames and thick plumes of smoke rising from a building close to the former power station. Sirens could also be heard in the background.
The Liverpool Echo reported that police urged people to avoid the scene while firefighters tackled the blaze.
The site is in Cuerdley on Widnes Road, between Warrington and Widnes.
Why Is Fiddlers Ferry Being Redeveloped?
Fiddlers Ferry power station ceased generating electricity in 2020, ending decades of operation at the former coal-fired site.
Earlier this year, Place North West reported that Peel NRE had received permission from Warrington Borough Council to clear the final section of the site ahead of plans for a new neighbourhood of around 860 homes.
The proposed development is expected to include a primary school, health centre and nature reserve.
The remaining cooling towers at the former power station are due to be demolished by the end of the year, following the demolition of four towers in 2023.
ITV News reported that Peel NRE bought the site in 2022 and that work is under way on a development comprising 860 new homes and 101 hectares of employment land.
Background of the Development
Fiddlers Ferry was a coal-fired power station near Warrington, between Widnes and Warrington, which shut in 2020 after nearly 50 years of operation.
Peel NRE acquired the site in 2022 and has been progressing redevelopment plans for the former power station land.
The current proposals include around 860 homes and 101 hectares of employment land, alongside community infrastructure including a primary school, health centre and nature reserve.
The fire occurred while demolition and clearance work continued at the site. The remaining cooling towers are scheduled for demolition by the end of the year.
Prediction: How Could This Affect Local Residents and the Redevelopment?
For nearby residents, the immediate effects are likely to remain practical rather than long-term: temporary traffic disruption, precautionary advice about smoke, and continued emergency-service activity at the site. The reopening of the A562 Widnes Road by mid-afternoon reduced the immediate travel impact, but residents should expect further updates if crews remain on site.
For people following the Fiddlers Ferry redevelopment, the fire may lead to additional safety checks, a clearer timeline for the investigation, and possible short-term delays to clearance or demolition work in the affected area. However, neither Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service nor Peel NRE has said that the wider redevelopment plans have changed.
For local businesses and commuters, the main issue to monitor is whether further road closures or smoke-related precautions are introduced while damping-down and investigation work continues. The confirmed absence of casualties and the fire service’s view that the blaze appears accidental are likely to limit the immediate public-safety concerns, but the official cause has not yet been formally established.
