Large fire at recycling centre

Update Sunday 21 January 2.30pm 

Firefighters and site staff have now extinguished the fire. An investigation into the cause of the fire found it started accidentally by a lithium ion battery put into a skip. 

A total of 52 crews attended the incident over a period of three days. 

Group Manager Craig McLellan said: "I'd like to start by saying a massive thank you to all the site staff, and the countless firefighters that have been here over the past three days, working tirelessly to extinguish the fire. It has been a tremendous effort, and we have now successfully extinguished the fire and are in a position to hand the site back over to the business. 

"I'd like to stress the importance of disposing of your lithium ion batteries properly, not in a skip or with domestic household waste. The impact of this fire on the business has been huge, which has been caused due to irresponsible disposal. Always check with your local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area."

Update 8.30am 

Crews have been carrying out a controlled burn overnight. 

Group Manager Craig McLellan said: "Today we will be changing tactics on how we will be tackling the fire. We'll be working with the site team to pull apart the body of the fire in order to extinguish it. 

"This is likely to cause an increase in smoke in the area, so don't be alarmed if you see a change in conditions. If you live or work in the surrounding area please keep all your windows and doors shut."

This is an ongoing incident and crews are likely to remain on site over the weekend.  

Update 4am

A very low smoke plume has formed in the area. Please avoid the area and keep all windows and doors closed. 

Update 9pm

Crews have now surrounded the fire. 

With the help of on site staff, they have removed nearby combustible materials. 

Firefighters will remain on site throughout the night. 

Update 4pm

Crews have been using an Aerial Ladder Platform to extinguish the fire in sections throughout the afternoon. 

We're in a position to scale this incident down to four crews who will work alongside site staff to extinguish the fire in sections. 

We expect to remain on scene for several hours and expect there will be lots of smoke in the area. 

If you live nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed.

Firefighters are currently at the scene of a large fire at a recycling centre in Archers Fields, Pitsea. 

On arrival, crews reported around 250 tonnes of recycling and plant machinery was on fire. 

Seven crews are currently on scene using an Aerial Ladder Platform to extinguish the fire in sections. 

If you live nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed.