UPDATE: Carpets weighing in at 550 tonnes are ablaze at recycling plant near Grantham
Fire at Mid UK, Barkston Heath. 978C
Lincolnshire County Council has issued advice to residents affected by a fire at Mid UK Recycling, on Barkston Heath, caused by 550 tonnes of burning carpet.
Six fire engines, a hydraulic platform, a hose layer and a high volume pump were called to the plant near Ancaster at around 12.40am today (Wednesday), along with support crews.
They found 550 tonnes of recycled carpet ablaze, giving off copious amounts of smoke.
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said: “Fire crews quickly controlled the fire and are working with Mid UK Recycling to extinguish it.
“Fire crews are currently using water to extinguish the fire and later, when it is safe to do so, Mid UK Recycling will cover the remaining fire with soil.”
The Health Protection Agency has advised residents at any property affected by the smoke to stay indoors and close their doors and windows as a precautionary measure.
The spokesman said: “Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue believes that the cause of the fire was a mechanical fault in processing equipment and Mid UK is grateful for the prompt emergency response and said that their emergency plan worked well and this has allowed the site to continue to operate.
“Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue expect that the fire will be fully extinguished within 24 hours, hopefully sooner.”
The incident will be handed back to Mid UK Recycling and over the next couple of weeks some reprocessing activities will take place which may cause further smoke at times.
Also on the scene are the Environment Agency, South Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire Police, working together to resolve the incident as early as possible and cause minimal disruption.
Anyone experiencing breathing issues because of the smoke should call NHS Direct or their local GP.
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR DETAILS OF ROAD CLOSURES.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Grantham Journal Picture of the Week
- Good news follows bad for Grantham councillor Ray Wootten
- Grantham school bids to take an extra 100 pupils
- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick says he has no intention of resigning and has a good relationship with Neil Rhodes
- UPDATE: Seven-year prison term for Grantham man who slashed victim’s face with a knife
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Grantham
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: North east
