Skip to content

Tonnes of metal alight in recycling centre fire

Louise Parry
News imageEssex Fire and Rescue The front of a red fire engine in the foreground, with a large fire and smoke in the background. It is almost white with heat. Two fire fighters seen from behind with helmets and protective gear on. There is a big industrial building or warehouse next to the fire, which is in the open.Essex Fire and Rescue
Crews were called to the recycling centre on Station Road in East Tilbury on Saturday night

About 40 firefighters have been working to extinguish a large fire at a recycling centre.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said about 4,000 tonnes of scrap metal was involved in the blaze at the site on Station Road, East Tilbury.

Crews were called at 11:30 BST on Saturday and have been working with site staff to use diggers to pull apart the metal.

Scott Ford, the service's group manager, said: "We're making steady progress to put the fire out and that is creating lots of smoke this morning."

He said the water supply at the scene had been "difficult".

"Thanks to the site staff for their help throughout the night to pull the pile apart so we can extinguish the fire in sections," he said.

"If you live nearby and are affected by the smoke, please close your windows and doors.

"We expect to be here throughout the morning," he added.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related Links