Major Fire At Waste Depot

Firefighters have been tackling a major fire at a waste depot near Market Harborough.

A large amount of plastics and recyclable materials were involved in the blaze at the FCC Environment base on Welham Lane, Great Bowden – just off the A6 bypass.

Firefighters at the scene last night

Firefighters were called to the scene at 9.15pm yesterday after the fire sent high flames and a large plume of smoke into the air.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service sent four fire engines, a command unit and water carrier to the incident and residents living in the vicinity were told to keep windows and doors closed, because of the significant amount of smoke.

FCC Environment is Harborough District Council’s waste contractor and the fire was in a barn-type structure measuring 160 x 40 metres.

No-one was injured and an investigation to determine what started the blaze is underway.

Station Manager Craig Hallam from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service spoke to HFM at the scene:

Firefighters at the scene last night

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Officers have advised me this morning that collections of waste are continuing as planned today.

“Alternative arrangements are being made for waste disposal.

“The Environment Agency has been called to site and more details will be shared as and when they are available.”

A spokesperson for Harborough District Council said: “No one was injured in the fire at the bulking station near Great Bowden. Our refuse crews are out this morning as normal and the council is working with all parties to ensure services continue.

“The bulking station is used to deposit and bulk recyclable items, ready for travel to their final destination. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, there may be some changes to recycling collections.

“We will update residents via our social media channels and website as soon as we have further information to share.”

Firefighters at the scene last night

A spokesperson for FCC Environment said: “The fire brigade attended and we can confirm that no one was injured as a result.

“FCC Environment will now conduct a full investigation in the cause of the fire.”