Video: Large fire and rescue response to fire at Grosvenor Garden Centre

Fire crews have been tackling a large blaze at Grosvenor Garden Centre on the outskirts of Chester this morning.

Update: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has said a building has collapsed “so crews are continuing to extinguish this fire from outside a safety cordon. we will remain in attendance at this incident for the rest of the day, extinguishing any pockets of fire. The main area of the garden centre was not affected by the fire.”

“A fire investigation to establish the cause is now taking place.”

“Firefighting has now been paused and specialists have inspected a propane tank on site which is at the correct temperature.’”

“Crews are still expected to be there for some time and two fire engines from Chester and the aerial ladder platform from Chester are still in attendance.”

In a statement from Grosvenor Garden Centre, a spokesperson said:

“We are also pleased to report that the main garden centre buildings are all unaffected.”

“Sadly, we have lost our warehouse buildings and a large volume of stock.”

“Nobody has been injured and we can report that the fish are all OK!”

“We will remain closed until further notice and we will update you when we know more about reopening.”

“Thank you for all your kind messages of support so far, it is very encouraging. ”Today hasn’t been easy, but nobody is hurt and buildings can be rebuilt. That’s the main thing…”

Earlier report: 

Two fire engines from Chester, one from Powey Lane, one from Ellesmere Port, one from Malpas and the aerial ladder from Chester attended the incident this morning.

The centre has said, “Due to an incident overnight we will be unable to open the garden centre and restaurant today.”

No further details have been released by the centre, but it is understood a large warehouse has been affected along with other outbuildings.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue have said they were “dealing with a fire involving an outbuilding in Eccleston” later confirming it involved “several outbuildings” at the garden centre.

Around 6am they said, “The building measures 25 metres by 25 metres and crews are protecting nearby property with a main water jet.”

“A water shuttle has also been set up and a cordon is in place.”

“Due to smoke in the area nearby residents are being asked to keep windows and doors closed and passing motorists advised to do the same and also to turn off any ventilation systems as a precaution.”

“The aerial ladder was used to get water to the fire from above and four main water jets were used, along with an an environmental pack to prevent any water run off from entering drains and nearby water courses.”

“They said the Environment Agency has been informed.”

By 6:30am the incident had been ‘scaled down’ and relief firefighters were requested to take over.

As of 7:15am three fire engines and the aerial ladder platform were still in attendance at this incident dealing with pockets of fire and damping down the building.

Thanks to David Flood for the video and photo