PEOPLE living nearby were told to stay indoors and close their windows at the weekend following a huge chemical fire which ripped through a warehouse on the Lea Green business park.

The fire, which couldbe seen from as far away as the Lake District, started at 10.05am on Sunday, April 29 at the single storey AKM Safic Alcan warehouse just off St Helens Linkway.

The 100m by 75m site comprises 15 separate business units and the fire completely gutted a chemical setting area making up 40 per cent of the main warehouse.

In addition, a fire separation wall and 10 per cent of contents at the Batch Task Ltd. unit were severely damaged by fire, smoke and water; Nozall's unit suffered five per cent water damage; a fire separation wall and roofing at the Partners in Print unit were severely damaged by heat and The Sofa Company's separation wall was also severely damaged by heat. The fire also fractured a gas pipe inside the factory.

Over 20 separate fire appliances attended the blaze, along with two hose layers and two aerial units.

Fire services worked alongside police and representatives of the Environment Agency to stem the damage caused by chemical fumes. They were also assisted by the Salvation Army Emergency Response Vehicle, manned by St Helens' commanding officers, Captains Gareth and Claire Dickens and other members who provided the emergency teams with refreshments.

People living in the surrounding areas were asked to remain indoors and the fire was contained at 12.50pm and finally over at 3.45pm although a pump and aerial appliance were still on the scene two days later in case of additional fires. Mike Harris, a spokesman for Merseyside Fire Brigade, told the Star: "The cause of the fire is now under investigation but our work was made more difficult because of the proximity of high voltage power lines which had to be made safe before we could start our work. There was also the danger that the smoke fumes, which contained carbon monoxide, oxides of sulphur and nitrogen and metallic oxides, could cause breathing difficulties in local people which was why we warned that everyone stay indoors and close their windows.

"According to witnesses, the smoke could actually be seen as far away as the Lake District."

A spokesman for St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority added: "The risk to the public regarding the chemical smoke clouds is minimal and no casualties have been reported. "However, as a precaution, members of the public in the areas surrounding Lea Green are advised to thoroughly wash all fruit and vegetables from their gardens before eating them; wear gloves to clean all cars, bicycles, children's toys etc, that were left outside on Sunday and have traces of a residue visible on them and throw the gloves away afterwards.

"If members of the public are worried and would like further information, they can call Healthwise on freephone 0800 665544.