Huge waste fire covers large part of Milton Keynes in smoke
Firefighters are still at the scene of a fire at a city recycling centre, where up to 100 tonnes of waste went up in flames.
The drama began in the early hours of the morning at Smith Recycling at Chesney Wold on Bleak Hall.
Six fire engines, each with a crew of four or five firefighters, plus several fire officers were sent out to deal with the blazea and they used breathing apparatus, a water carrier and aerial platform to deal with the flames.
The company, which hires skips and deals with commercial waste management, is situated close to the council’s community waste recycling centre at Bleak Hall.
Bucks Fire and Rescue Service estimates between 50 and 100 tonnes of rubbish was ablaze at the peak.
A spokesperson for West Ashland fire station said: “Firefighters remain at the scene of a waste fire in the Bleak Hall, Milton Keynes area, which generated smoke visible across a wide area.
“Our crews are expected to stay on scene for a considerable amount of time.”
Firefighters are continuing to damp down hotspots, turn over waste materials and monitor environmental conditions at the site. Details of the type of waste that caught fire or the cause of the fire are not yet known.
Meanwhile, people on neighbouring estate reported thick, acrid smoke at the height of the blaze.