The fire broke out at the facility at 08.49am yesterday (8 November) and was reported by the Carlisle East fire station to involve 500 tonnes of plastic. In a BBC news report, the material was described as mixed waste.
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, North West Recycling confirmed the material was mixed waste.
Cumbria county council, on behalf of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed to letsrecycle.com this afternoon (9 November) that the fire occurred at North West Recycling’s facility, and that the incident is now being ‘closed down’. No injuries were reported.
A fire service spokesperson said: “At 0849 hours on 8th November 2021, five fire engines, the aerial ladder appliance and the water bowser from Cumbria fire and rescue service attended a fire on Rockcliffe estate, Rockcliffe. The incident involved a commercial building which was well alight. Crews used several ground monitors, a tele handler frame and p3 protection dust masks to assist with extinguishing the fire.”
Roof
At 8.28pm last night, it was reported by Carlisle East fire station that crews would remain on scene throughout the night, and that it was unsafe for firefighters to enter the building due to a risk of the roof collapsing.
The fire service added that the blaze was still expected to burn for “quite some time”. Crews were also assisted by a water supplier.
A local primary school was closed today due to the ongoing incident, and Cumbria police advised residents in Rockcliffe village to keep all doors and windows closed as a precaution, due to the smoke which may contain fumes from burning asbestos.
North West Recycling says it is Cumbria’s largest commercial waste operator and lists Biffa and Renewi as among its customers.
The company says it provides skip hire and waste management services across Cumbria, South West Scotland, and Northumberland.
It is currently unsafe for firefighters to enter the building due to the risk of collapse.
United Utilities are also on scene with large water tanks to supply us with water for firefighting.
— Carlisle East Fire Station (@CarlisleEast) November 8, 2021
__________________________________________________________________________________
Fire Prevention & Control in the Waste & Recycling Sector Conference | 10 November | Heart of England Conference Centre, Coventry
At this one day conference, expert speakers will explore key topics including an update on Fire Prevention Plan guidance, steps to take to prevent battery fires and a case study from an operator who has had to deal with site fires in the past.
Subscribe for free