A LARGE fire broke out in an outbuilding in Orford this afternoon, Sunday.

Photos show a building within the Rylands Sports Complex engulfed in flames.

Plumes of smoke could be seen in the air for miles around following the fire, which is believed to have broken out shortly after 3.30pm.

It is believed that the fire involves the old wooden cricket hut, which has suffered extensive damage.

Despite the fire breaking out in the vicinity of their first-team football pitch, Warrington Rylands FC confirmed their operations remain unaffected when approached by the Guardian.

In a statement, Cheshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that the service received reports of the blaze at 3.37pm and that the flames have now been extinguished.

After being informed, four fire engines attended the scene at Gorsey Lane from Warrington, Birchwood, Penketh and Lymm fire stations.

A spokesman for the fire service said: “At 15.36pm, firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a commercial premises on Gorsey Lane in Warrington.

Warrington Guardian:

“On arrival, crews saw one outbuilding which was well alight.

“Two firefighters in breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.

“Firefighters were in attendance for approximately two hours and thirty minutes.”

At this stage, we have not been given any information regarding the cause of the fire, with an investigation due to take place in due course.

A spokesman for landowner Rylands Properties added: “We would like to emphasise that we are increasing our security onsite through visible 24-hours patrols.

“We would like to thank members of the public for reporting the incident and emergency services for their swift action.

“We are grateful that no one was hurt during the incident and we are assisting officials with their investigation into the cause of the fire.”