Firefighting operations continue at recycling centre in Basildon
We were called to a fire affecting warehouses, vehicles and mixed waste, at the site on Saturday (14 September) at 1.15am
During the daytime, crews are working with on-site staff to break up and extinguish piles of recycling materials. Crews are also keeping a watching brief at the site overnight.
A large amount of smoke will be produced as firefighting operations continue.
If you live or work in the area, you may see the smoke and notice the odour. The risk is minimal, but we would advise you to keep your doors and windows closed and to take extra care on the A127 alongside the site due to the risk of smoke blowing across the carriageway.
Area Manger Craig McLellan said: “We are in regular contact with the agencies to monitor the situation. In addition, we are monitoring the wind direction. We will let residents and business know if our advice changes.
“We would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience while we bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
Advice from UK Health and Security Agency:
- Any smoke can be an irritant. If people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid outside areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.
- Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.
Incident update
Area Manager Craig McLellan has given an update on the recycling centre fire on Hovefields Avenue, Basildon. Crews are likely to remain on scene for the rest of the week to fully extinguish the fire.
We'd like to thank nearby residents for their patience as we deal with the incident. If you do live nearby, please keep your windows and doors shut.