‘No Pollution Risk’ After Waste Depot Fire

The Environment Agency believes there is no wider pollution risk after a major fire at a waste depot near Market Harborough.

A large amount of plastics and other recyclables were involved in the blaze at the FCC Environment base off the A6 bypass on Thursday night.

A large amount of plastics and other recyclables were involved in the blaze

A spokesperson from the EA told HFM: “An Environment Officer attended the site earlier today to assess the pollution risk associated with the fire.

“They met with the Fire and Rescue Service and the site operator and have confirmed that any environmental impacts of the fire are localised and any associated firewater is contained within the site.

“We will continue to liaise with the site in line with our regulatory duties. We also encourage people to report any suspected pollution incidents to our incident line on 0800 80 70 60.”

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is on-going after it broke out in an open barn at the site on Welham Lane at around 9pm.

Materials were being stored in an open barn on the site

Over 20 firefighters tackled the fire and near-by residents were urged to keep windows and doors closed due to the large amount of smoke.

Nobody was hurt.

The depot is used by Harborough District Council’s waste contractor to deposit and bulk recyclable items, ready for travel to their final destination.

Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of the council, has praised firefighters for their work in dealing with the blaze.

He spoke to HFM after visiting the site:

Firefighters at the scene of the fire

FCC Environment is also conducting its own investigation into the fire.