Major incident stood down but fire service remain at Rushden warehouse blaze site
The major incident declared after a large fire at a Rushden warehouse has been stood down but fire crews remain on site to control the blaze and manage smoke while road closures continue nearby
The major incident declared earlier today in response to a large fire at a warehouse in Rushden has now been stood down, but fire crews continue to work at the scene.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called shortly before 6.30am on May 23 to a recycling warehouse fire on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate. The fire is now under control and contained within the site, although a large amount of smoke is still coming from the area.
Residents close to the site have been urged to keep windows and doors closed because of the remaining smoke. People are also asked to stay away from the site for their safety.
Eight fire engines, two aerial appliances, and a specialist high-volume pump remain at the scene, though this is fewer than earlier in the day. Support from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire fire crews has now left the site. Road closures on Wellingborough Road near the warehouse will stay in place until at least tomorrow.
The fire service worked with North Northamptonshire Council and Cadent to make sure gas supply to around 500 nearby homes was not affected. However, some businesses in the industrial estate remain closed.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Phil Pells said: “The Local Resilience Forum has made the decision to stand down the major incident and our focus now is to ensure that we continue to damp down the fire and reduce the smoke plume.
“There will continue to be an emergency services presence at the scene overnight, and road closures will remain in place near the site until tomorrow at the earliest.
“I am grateful for the hard work of our emergency services and I’d also like to thank the community in Rushden for their cooperation, support and understanding throughout this incident.”