Crews 'dampening down' after large blaze ripped through recycling centre near Exeter
Crews working to put out the fire
Crews are dampening down after a fire ripped through a recycling centre near Exeter.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was called to Greendale Business Park just before 1:30am on Tuesday 24 September to reports of a fire in a large commercial unit containing recycling material.
Residents were told to keep their windows and doors shut.
The waste transfer station, managed by Suez, contained around 12 tonnes of mixed non-hazardous waste and 12 tonnes of cardboard.
Breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and compressed air foam systems were used to tackle the blaze.
Crews are expected to remain at the scene for some time, as they check for hotspots and dampen down- but the business park and surrounding roads are open as normal.
Robert Sanders, regional manager at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK said: “We would like to thank Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response in relation to the fire this morning at Greendale Business Park, waste transfer station.
"Whilst the fire is dealt with waste is being transferred to neighbouring facilities and there is no disruption to services.
"I would like to thank our staff who attended site to assist the fire service, as well as neighbouring homes and businesses for their patience.”
Fire station manager Dominic Mallett said: "What we've managed to do by tackling the frame of the building is create enough ventilation.
"Now we can get crews in in the light of day so we can drag out any continually burning material and smother it outside and deal with it in the safest way possible."