Fire in scrap metal recycling building

Firefighters were called to a fire in a metal recycling building in Chelmsford this morning (Tuesday 11 May).

The fire service's Control team took over 15 calls to the incident, as the smoke could be seen from nearby main roads.

The building, which measured approximately 20m by 20m, contained over 10 tonnes of waste metal. Workers on site raised the alarm and took rehearsed and safe actions to try and tackle the fire using specialist equipment they have on site. When fire crews took over they tackled the fire using a number of hoses and the Service's aerial ladder platform (ALP) which is used to pour water on the fire from above.

The fire was completely extinguished by 1:15pm. The cause of the fire was found to be accidental. The fire and damage was contained to the area where the fire started and didn't spread to the rest of the building thanks to the purposely designed layout of the building.

*Firefighters at the incident are asking all local businesses to keep their windows and doors shut as the fire is producing a lot of smoke. They are also urging people to avoid the area as Robjohns Road has also been closed temporarily which is causing a build up of traffic in the area. Crews are expecting to be at the incident for most of the morning to ensure the fire and hot spots are full cooled and safe.*