ARSONISTS are believed to have been responsible for a fire which led to two major roads being closed.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said last night the fire involving a toilet block is thought to have been started deliberately using “smoking materials”.

A joint investigation by the fire service and North Wales Police will now take place to establish the cause of the blaze, which broke out at about 8pm on Wednesday in a lorry container in a field alongside the roadside in Chirk, close to McDonald’s.

High flames blew heavy smoke on to the A5 and the A483 between Halton roundabout and Gledrid roundabout, which resulted in the two roads being shut in both directions until the early hours of yesterday morning.

Four firefighter crews and the environmental protection unit from Wrexham were sent to the scene just after 8pm.

A number of gas cylinders near the fire had to be monitored and cooled down by the crews.

There was also minor damage to café located in a layby on the bypass

Fire service spokesman Tracey Williams said two dwellings were also affected by the fire but there were no reported injuries.

She added: “We provided the occupants with advice.

“There will be an investigation jointly with the police, but we don’t have any more information at this time.”

North Wales Police spokesman Michael McGivern said: “Our role mainly during the evening was to monitor the traffic.”

Councillor for Chirk South Terry Evans said: “It was very hectic as vehicles were sent through Chirk.”