SITE staff evacuated people from a distribution centre in Widnes yesterday, Tuesday, following a lorry trailer fire.

Around 1pm, five fire engines were called to Desoto Road after a fire broke out in the trailer section of an articulated lorry.

Site staff evacuated personnel from the building as there was heavy smoke entering the premises.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the blaze using hose reels and main jets.  A water curtain was activated to help prevent the fire from spreading from the trailer into the building.

The crews were able to move the trailer away from the premises to continue fighting the flames and they inspected the interior of the premises which was heavily smoke logged but not involved in fire.

A high-pressure fan was used to help clear smoke from the area. 

The firefighters were engaged at the scene for just over three hours and staff were able to re-enter the building.