Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has been tackling a large fire at the Granville Recycling Plant, near Telford, since around 5am today (17 September).
The landfill site is run by Welsh waste management company Potter Group.
Crews tackle the blaze at the Granville landfill site(picture: @hwfire.org.uk)
Eight crews were sent to the incident at Grange Lane, Redhill, with the fire having been reported at 4.44am.
Numerous supporting vehicles are in use, including two 4×4 incident support vehicles, high capacity pumping units and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident command vehicle.
The blaze is said to have engulfed the entire site, which measures around 300m² across steep-sided terrain. A large plume of smoke has been seen billowing into the sky above the centre of the plant.
Drone footage with thermal imaging capability is being used to identify the extent of the fire and is being provided by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Representatives from Telford & Wrekin council are also at the scene. The council says its highways crews are on standby to support with any road closures if needed.
The fire service said in an update this afternoon that six fire engines remain at the scene.
‘No need to panic’
Group manager Adam Matthews, of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There is no need to panic but as a precaution we would urge people to keep doors and windows closed in areas around Donnington, Muxton, Priorslee and St Georges.
“There are no road closures at this time. Drivers are advised to avoid the area. Check before you travel.
“We’re making some headway into the fire and will have an emergency planning meeting with Telford & Wrekin and a number of other agencies shortly.”
Letsrecycle.com was told Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service held a tactical group meeting this morning in attempts to stymie the blaze. A national expert in wildfires is reported to have been sent to the scene.
Crews have been tackling a fire at Granville Recycling Plant, in Telford since 5am.
As a precaution we would urge people to:
Keep doors and windows closed Donnington, Muxton, Priorslee and St Georges
— Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (@shropsfire) September 17, 2020
Redhill
Potter Group was contacted for comment by letsrecycle.com.
Founded in 1948, Potter Group describes itself as “the largest private waste management company in Wales, operating successful recycling, equestrian, property and renewable energy divisions”. The company employs more 80 staff and says it is committed to creating further employment opportunities by expanding its recycling operations and renewable energy initiatives throughout Wales and into the West Midlands.
The Granville Recycling Plant was formerly owned by Suez and run by Telford & Wrekin council.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
