A556 closed after fire at The Smoker pub in Plumley

Firefighters are at the scene of a fire at The Smoker in Plumley.

The A556 Chester Road has been shut as a result.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging members of the public to avoid the area for the time being.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire involving a thatched public house.

“A full evacuation of the building has taken place and police have closed both sides of the road while the incident is being dealt with.”

The fire started at around 5.30pm (Image: Shaun Gee)

CFRS sent engines from the Middlewich, Winsford and Northwich stations to the scene shortly before 5.30pm on Thursday (October 23).

They were joined there by two engines from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, as well as an aerial ladder platform from Lymm.

Providing an update at 6.30pm, the spokesperson said: “The fire involves the roof of the premises and two hose reels are being used to fight the fire, one on the exterior of the building and one inside.

“People are kindly being asked to avoid the area due to heavy traffic and smoke."

At 6.50pm they added: "Firefighters are making good progress and have created a fire break to help stop the spread of fire.

"They are using a ladder and height safety equipment to access the area from the ground and the aerial ladder platform is in use getting water to the fire from above.

"The road remains closed in both directions. The area is also heavily smoke logged."

*UPDATE 7:45PM*

At 7.45pm, a CFRS spokesperson said: "Firefighters from Cheshire and Greater Manchester are still in attendance and are making good progress extinguishing the fire.

"Relief crews are being requested to attend shortly.

"The Scorpion High Reach Extending Turret (HRET) is being used to deliver water from height.

"The water run off is being monitored at the scene by the Environmental Agency.

"This incident will be updated when more information becomes available."

*UPDATE 9PM*

We are still in attendance at a fire involving a thatched public house, situated on the A556 near Northwich. Crews are expected to remain on scene throughout the night and into tomorrow morning. Police and Highways Agency are currently dealing with road closures in the area. pic.twitter.com/uGSLPfKicX

— Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (@CheshireFire) October 23, 2024

*UPDATE 9.30PM*

At 9.30pm a CFS spokesperson said: "Two hose reel jets are still being used to extinguish the fire.

"The Scorpion is in operation to get water onto the area from above. The thatch on the 16th century building is now being removed to allow crews to fully damp down the structure of the building.

"Two cats were rescued by firefighters and reunited with their owners and Scottish Power and Manweb are also in attendance to safely isolate the power to the building."

*UPDATE 10PM*

At 10pm a CFS spokesperson said: "A corden has been set up around the 400 year old building due to the integrity its four chimneys.

"Plans are now being made to enable the police to reopen the A556. Tiles from an adjoining building are being removed as crews continue to damp down at this incident."