Fire crews praised for scrapyard blaze response

Fire crews remain at the scene of a blaze at a metal recycling plant in Portsmouth.

The fire, involving 500 tonnes of scrap metal, broke out at European Metal Recycling LTD, Portsmouth at 8:41am today (5 October).

The fire caused a smoke plume reaching heights of over 100 feet which could be seen for miles.

The smoke plume has now settled but could affect local residents. Residents are therefore advised to close their windows and doors. The smoke plume is not harmful and so residents should not be concerned by the smell.

More than 50 firefighters are still on scene tackling the blaze and are working with on site staff to make fire breaks to stop the fire spreading.

The man in charge of the operation has praised the work of fire crews in very hard conditions.

The cause of this incident is currently unknown but is not being treated as suspicious.