South Cheshire has been blanketed by smoke, as fire crews tackle a huge chicken farm blaze in Checkley, near Wrinehill.

At 6.25am on Friday 29 May, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to a major incident on Checkley Lane, around four miles from Nantwich and seven miles from Crewe.

Ten fire engines, with two from Crewe and one from Audlem, Nantwich, Middlewich, Congleton, Malpas, Macclesfield, Market Drayton (Shropshire FRS) and Winsford called to the scene.

A rapid response rescue unit from Nantwich and a high volume pump also arrived at the scene.

Firefighters are using multiple hose reels and main jets to fight the flames externally, preventing further spread.

Local residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed for the time being (Photo: Supplied).

Due to the large smoke plume, local residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed for the time being.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Firefighters are currently in attendance at a large fire in an empty chicken shed of approximately four acres in size, in Checkley Lane, Checkley.

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"Firefighters are using multiple hose reels and main jets to fight the fire externally and prevent further spread of the fire.

"There is a large smoke plume so nearby residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed for the time being.

"Our control room is receiving a number of duplicate calls about this incident due to the visibility of the smoke plume.

"If you are nearby and can see a large smoke plume, please be assured we are aware of the incident and are at the scene.

"Firefighters are using main jets, ground monitors and water from the high reach extendable turret to fight the fire externally.

"An aerial ladder platform from Chester is also now in attendance for the provision of additional water from height."