Drivers warned as smoke from Basildon recycling centre fire continues to cause problems

Firefighters have warned that smoke from a fire that started at the weekend could continue to cause problems for 'at least' the rest of the week.

Essex Fire and Rescue crews were first called to a recycling centre in Hovefields Avenue at 1.15am on Saturday.

They found the centre to be well alight, as well as surrounding warehouses and fifteen vehicles.

The buildings, close to the A127, has been completely destroyed, and the site continues to produce a lot of smoke.Drivers using the road between the Nevendon interchange and Rayleigh Spur roundabout are being urged to take extra care as smoke is blowing onto the carriageway. Anyone who lives in the area is still being advised to keep their windows and doors closed, and crews warn that this might be the case for another five days.

Area Manager Craig McLellan said: "Steady progress is being made to deconstruct the warehouse around the burning material to allow crews and on-site staff to move and extinguish it.

"Smoke is still being produced, so please keep your doors and windows closed if you live nearby and take extra care on the A127."

"We expect work to continue for at least five more days."

"We are in regular contact with the agencies to monitor the smoke and wind direction, and we will let residents and businesses know if our advice changes."The UK Health and Security Agency is advising that motorists who have to travel through the smoke keep their windows and air vents closed and their air conditioning off.

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