'Hard to predict' when industrial fire will be out

Fire officials say it is "difficult to predict" when a blaze that started at an industrial estate in Sutton Bonington more than a week ago will be fully extinguished.

A large fire broke out at Hathernware industrial estate, off Rempstone Road, near the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border shortly before 10:45 BST on 15 April.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said most of the fire had been extinguished but pockets of deep-seated fire and hotspots - buried within significant quantities of waste material across the site - remained.

It added due to the "complex" nature of the incident, firefighters are to remain at the scene for several more days.

At its height, 13 fire engines - from Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire - were sent to the blaze, which involved buildings, timber and trailers.

Specialist plant machinery has been brought in to allow waste material to be moved and broken down, enabling crews to access and safely extinguish remaining hotspots more effectively, the fire service said.

It added that smoke from the site was currently minimal but could vary at times depending on ongoing firefighting activity and weather conditions.

It said the risk to public health has been deemed as low by the UK Health Security Agency.

However, as a precaution, it advised people in the area to avoid any smoke where possible and continue to keep windows and doors closed.

Area Manager Matt Reavill said: "Although most of the fire has been extinguished, there remain significant operational challenges due to deep-seated hotspots, which require the use of heavy plant machinery to access safely.

"Alongside this, we are carefully managing the environmental impact of our operations, particularly due to the railway line running directly adjacent to the site.

"As well as ongoing firefighting activity, crews and staff from our service will continue to engage with residents, providing reassurance and advice where needed.

"We fully understand the continued impact this incident is having and remain committed to resolving it as quickly and safely as possible."

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