Firefighters remain at the scene of a blaze near Congleton.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of barn fire in Smallwood shortly after 1pm on Monday, April 6.

More than 24 hours have now passed and crews continue to work away at the scene.

Speaking at around 3.30pm on Tuesday, April 7, a CFRS spokesperson said: "Firefighters remain at the scene, monitoring two 200-litre barrels containing a solvent-based chemical (a form of polymeric isocyanate).

"Due to the way the chemical reacts slowly with water, the barrels are being allowed to cool naturally.

"Water run-off has been contained, and the Environment Agency has been notified.

"Barrel temperatures are decreasing and continue to be monitored using a thermal imaging camera."

Smoke billowing from the scene on Monday afternoon (Credit: Emma Jones)

Fire engines from the Sandbach, Alsager, Northwich and Macclesfield stations were all initially sent to the scene of the blaze, on School Lane in Smallwood.

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They were joined by the Rapid Response Rescue Unit from Alsager, the water bowser from Crewe and the command unit from Northwich.

Nearby farm buildings were evacuated with the road closed while the incident was dealt with.

Throughout the night, crews used two main jets, including a lance for targeted cooling, to get the fire under control.