Twenty fire engines attended a plastics recycling site at Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside after a “major” fire broke out yesterday (20 May).
The facility involved at the Sankey Valley Industrial Estate is believed to be run by Venture Polymers, whose logo can be seen on the building in pictures published by Mersey Fire and Rescue Service.
Merseyside Fire service described the fire as a “major incident” (Picture: Merseyside Fire and Rescue)
The fire service says it was called to the scene at around 11am and, while the main fire has been extinguished, firefighters remained overnight to carry out hot spotting and damping down operations.
‘Tirelessly’
Assistant chief fire officer Dave Mottram said: “Firefighters have worked tirelessly to tackle this fire in what can only be described as extremely challenging heat conditions and I would like to thank them for their efforts.
“I would also like to thank our Fire Control operators who were inundated with more than 80 calls from concerned members of the public.
“At the height of the fire, the smoke could be seen across the north west.”
The fire was estimated to have measured 30 metres by 15 metres at its peak.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service says an investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.
Venture Polymers describes itself as one of the “leading recyclers and buyers of plastics in the UK”. The company on its website says that it offers a nationwide plastic collection service and has the ability to recycle “all forms of plastic”.
[gallery_placement]Newton-le-Willows
At 10.35pm yesterday Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said the main fire had been extinguished.
Aerial footage published by BBC North West shows fire crews attempting to hose down flames coming from the roof of the facility.
Aerial shots from fire at industrial estate in Earlestown near St Helens. 15 pumps from @merseyfire are fighting the blaze. pic.twitter.com/QjkjbcfGDt
— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) May 20, 2020
Though it is not yet known what started the fire, pictures show the blaze involves plastic crates and the building itself.
A neighbouring caravan site was evacuated, but there are no reports of any injuries. While most roads have been reopened, the nearby Newton-le-Willows Recycling remains closed.
Two fire engines remain at the scene.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Plastic
