A MIDDLEWICH site which was the centre of a major incident when it burst into flames on Monday has apologised to the community and nearby residents for the ‘inconvenience caused’.

At its height, 12 fire engines were called to BIP Environmental Ltd site in Brooks Lane, where a fire was first reported at around 8.30pm on July 18.

BIP Environmental has since confirmed no-one was on the site at the time and all employees and visitors were safe and accounted for, although they cannot comment further at this time.

The amount of smoke meant residents were advised to close their windows and doors as a precaution and several roads were closed around Middlewich town centre – BIP thanked people for their patience.

Firefighters finally extinguished the blaze 10 hours after it was first reported.

Northwich Guardian:

An investigation is now underway.

Mike Bennett, managing director of BIP Environmental Limited, said: “Authorities are continuing their investigation into the fire and there is no current update on the cause.

“We are unable to make comment whilst the investigation is open.

“We appreciate that this incident has impacted the local community and would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused.

“We understand the steps you have had to take overnight, regarding the instruction to close windows and doors and the discomfort this may have caused, especially in light of the unprecedented weather temperatures.

“The safety of our staff, visitors and the local community is of paramount importance and always our main priority.

“We will continue to work with the environmental and fire agencies.”