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 Wednesday, 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*

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."