Fire crews to work through the night tackling Darlington Recycling centre fire
Fire crews are expected to work through the night to tackle an on-going blaze at a recycling centre in Darlington.
Fire crews are expected to work through the night to tackle an on-going blaze at a recycling centre in Darlington.
At 5.11am today (Wednesday), County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) received a report of a fire at the Waste Transfer Station, on Whessoe Road.
Three fire appliances, one Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP), a water bowser and around 20 firefighters are currently at the scene to extinguish the flames.
It is expected that they will remain at the scene overnight into tomorrow to bring the fire under control.
Phil Innis, CDDFRS Group Manager, is the lead firefighter at the scene, he said: “This is a popular local recycling centre but fortunately no injuries have been reported.
“I want to thank our hard-working crews at the scene who are working tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and thank our partners from police to local authorities and beyond for their assistance.”
He added: “I also want to thank the local community for your patience and your support during this incident.
“We ask that local businesses and properties in the area continue to keep their doors and windows closed due to the level of smoke and urge people to stay away from the area.”
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but it is currently not thought to be suspicious.
Nearby Harrowgate Hill Primary school has been closed today as a precaution, with a statement from the Council reading:
"Due to a fire at the Drinkfield household waste recycling plant Harrowgate Hill Primary School will be closing today and sending pupils home. There is no immediate risk to the school, and this is a precautionary measure."
The Waste Transfer Station, which belongs to Ashcourt, is next door to the Darlington Borough Council-run Housewaste Waste Recycling Centre.
The Household Waste Recycling Centre remains closed until further notice – please check the council’s social media and website for details.
Additional advice from the UK Health Security Agency
• Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.
• It’s important that local residents understand that the risks to their health are low, however because any smoke is an irritant, it can make people’s eyes and throat sore.
• People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual. If you have any concerns about the smoke’s impact on your health please call your GP surgery for advice, following any instructions for out of hours services, or contact the NHS 111 service (which is free from both landlines and mobiles and open 24/7).