‘Major Incident’ Declared After Huge Fire

A major incident has been declared as dozens of firefighters tackle a large blaze at a recycling warehouse in Northamptonshire.

The fire involving a large quantity of plastics started shortly before 6.30am on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate in Rushden and created a huge smoke plume which could be seen for miles, including over 20 miles away in Market Harborough.

Pic: NFRS

12 fire crews are at the scene and have been working since then to prevent the fire from spreading.

The response from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service includes three turntable ladders, two water bowsers and a high-volume pump.

The blaze created a huge smoke plume Pic: NFRS

Area Manager Mick Berry, from NFRS said: “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 taken to declare a Major Incident, but fire crews are working extremely hard to prevent the fire from spreading and reduce the smoke plume.

“We would urge people to stay away from the site while emergency services deal with this incident and ask nearby residents to close windows and doors due to the large amount of smoke issuing from the site.

“We anticipate that we will be on scene over the rest of the weekend, and we appreciate the impact this is having on local businesses on the estate and would like to thank them for their patience.”

Fire crews at the scene  Pic: NFRS