Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were made aware of the incident just before 6pm yesterday (14 May). It is expected that the fire will burn until Sunday.
Nine crews from various areas in Sunderland – Farringdon, West Denton, Washington, Gosforth, South Shields, Newcastle Central, Swalwell, Sunderland Central, Byker, Birtley, Hebburn, Rainton Bridge, Marley Park and Tynemouth – were deployed.
Two aerial ladder platforms and a high volume pump were used. 58 firefighters and 3 officers attended the scene.
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency is also on the scene. When contacted by letsrecycle.com, a spokesperson, said: “Environment Agency officers are on site working with partners to assess any potential environmental damage including impacts to air and water quality. Our incident room is open and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“The site was abandoned last year after the operator went into liquidation. Polluters are responsible for clearing waste and we are working with partners to find a solution as soon as possible.”
The Sunderland Echo reported that Stuart Smiles, who previously ran the waste management plant, said: “I would like to extend our thanks to the fire service, Environment Agency, emergency services and others in attendance.”
According to Companies House, Alex Smiles Ltd traded in the wholesale of waste and scrap. The company entered administration on 7 May 2015 with commencement of winding up on 31 August 2016.
The company has two active directors listed as John Smiles and Stuart Barry Smiles.
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