Major Blaze at Recycling Facility in Northamptonshire Declares Major Incident

Major Blaze at Recycling Facility in Northamptonshire Declares Major Incident

A significant fire broke out at the Monoworld recycling facility located in the Sanders Lodge industrial estate of Rushden, Northamptonshire, early on Friday morning. Crews were dispatched to the scene around 6:30 AM to combat the blaze that is reportedly visible from as far as ten miles away.

The fire, which has grown to be a major incident, prompted the deployment of a dozen fire engines, along with three aerial appliances, two water bowsers, and a high-volume pump from the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS). Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, as the building was evacuated prior to the arrival of emergency crews.

Authorities have taken extensive measures to ensure public safety by implementing road closures on the estate and urging residents to steer clear of the area as efforts to control the fire continue. Local individuals are also advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to the significant smoke emanating from the site, which has created concerns about air quality in the vicinity.

The blaze involves a substantial quantity of plastic materials stored within the recycling facility, leading to dark smoke that can be seen from surrounding areas, including Harrold and Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire. Recognizing the potential environmental impact, officers from the Environmental Agency are present to mitigate any adverse effects on the surrounding environment.

Area manager Mick Berry from NFRS has emphasized the serious nature of the incident, noting, "This is a large fire that is having a significant impact on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate in Rushden. A multi-agency decision has been made to declare a major incident; however, fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the fire and reduce the smoke plume. We urge people to stay away from the site and request that nearby residents keep their windows and doors closed due to the large volume of smoke."

Emergency crews are anticipated to remain on site throughout the weekend to ensure that the fire is fully controlled and damages are contained. Cooperation from local businesses and residents has been acknowledged by NFRS, appreciating their patience during this emergency situation. As of now, the nearby gas supply has been isolated to prevent any further complications related to the incident.

In summary, while the major incident status has been declared, personnel from both Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire fire departments are working collaboratively to address this significant fire. The community is urged to follow safety protocols while emergency services continue their essential work.