AN explosion and fire broke out in a large sub station at Fiddlers Ferry power station last week.

Four fire engines, a hazardous unit, aerial platform and operational support unit were scrambled to deal with the incident shortly after 5.30pm on Thursday.

Crews from Widnes, Warrington, Northwich, Macclesfield and Winsford tackled a blaze in an electrical sub-station.

A hose reel was used to cool the exterior walls.

Firefighters were at the scene for more than five hours.

A spokesman for Scottish & Southern Energy, said: “It wasn’t an explosion. There would have been a bang as the equipment cut out for safety reasons.

“A small fire affected a transformer which overheated. The piece of kit has now been replaced.

“Firefighters responded very quickly and worked very quickly.

“This equipment is isolated. There were never any safety concerns. ”