The two incidents highlight ongoing fire risks at recycling facilities, with other fire breaking out at Greenbox Recycling’s waste site in Kent last week (7 April).
Major response to Thetford blaze
Firefighters have been tackling a significant blaze at a recycling facility in Thetford for more than 12 hours, after the incident began at around 7.05pm.
The fire is believed to involve the Wiser Recycling site on Brunel Way.
Crews from across Norfolk and Suffolk were mobilised, with the incident still ongoing as of Friday morning.
At the height of the response, 27 fire appliances were in attendance, supported by two aerial ladder platforms and other specialist vehicles.
Thick black smoke was reported billowing from the site, prompting advice for nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the incident had required an overnight effort alongside colleagues from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
In its most recent update, the service said: “Multiple pumping appliances from across Norfolk and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance at a fire on Brunel Way. They are being supported by specialist appliances.
“This incident is still ongoing as of 04:18 hours on the 17 April and relief appliances are in attendance.
“We’re still requesting local residents keep doors and windows closed who are in the vicinity of the smoke plume.”
March recycling centre fire brought under control
In a separate incident, crews were called to a fire at a recycling centre on Knights End Road in March at 7.07pm.
According to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, firefighters from March, Chatteris, Wisbech, Manea, Whittlesey and Ramsey attended the scene.
On arrival, crews encountered thick smoke issuing from the premises and a large quantity of scrap metal alight.
Firefighters used jets and hose reels to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading further.
The incident was scaled down overnight, with crews leaving the scene by around 5.30am.
Cambridge Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters scaled down and left the area by 5.30am.
“During the incident, residents nearby were encouraged to close windows and doors due to the smoke.
“The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.”
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