BILLOWING black smoke enveloped parts of Wirral's business district after a blaze broke out at a car repair centre.
Four fire engines were called to the Merseyside Car Hospital on Cleveland Street in Birkenhead around 1pm. (Tuesday February 17)
Fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus went into the car workshop through a side entrance on Russell Street, through which the black smoke could be seen filling the building.
Workers standing outside said it was thought a car "oven" - used to dry cars after they have been spray painted - had been the cause of the blaze.
A Merseyside Fire spokeswoman said the building had been well alight when they were called.
Firefighters quickly dealt with the fire but smoke could still be seen emerging from the side of the building for around 40 minutes.
The spokeswoman said: "We had four crews down there to deal with the fire but two left, leaving the others to damp down."
