Summary

  • A major incident is stood down as emergency services successfully tackle the flames at a recycling warehouse in Rushden, Northamptonshire

  • The huge blaze started shortly before 06:30 BST on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate, causing a plume of black smoke that could be seen for miles

  • The fire involved a large quantity of burning plastic

  • Shortly before 17:00 BST, the fire service said the blaze was under control

From the scene: Smoke billows from industrial fire

Live Reporting

Reporting by Kris Holland, editing by David Keller

  1. Gas flow to industrial site has been 'isolated'

    The fire service says the gas supply to the Sanders Lodge estate has been "isolated".

    It says nearby residents have not yet been affected by this measure, but adds it is working with North Northamptonshire Council and Cadent to "mitigate any impact that could affect up to 500 properties nearby".

    An aerial view of the fire, taken from an airplane, showing a towering plume of black smoke rising into the clouds above. Fields and the nearby town of Rushden are visible surrounding the epicentre of the fire.David Gill

  2. Smoke seen from Bedford - 13 miles away

    Thick black smoke billowing from the warehouse blaze has been seen up to 13 miles (21km) away, with people living as far away as Bedford reporting it.

    The scale of the smoke plume has been further emphasised by video captured from the air.

    Watch: Thick smoke billows from Rushden industrial estate

  3. What response has the fire service made?

    Flames and a black plume of smoke are shown rising from a recycling facility. In the foreground, a warehouse building is shown alongside bales of what appears to be plastic-based material.Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

    Crews were called to the scene at about 06:30 BST

    Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service says three aerial appliances, two water bowsers and a high-volume pump are among the fire service resources that have been sent to tackle the fire.

    In a statement, it says: "We are receiving cross-border support from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in dealing with this incident, and we anticipate we will be on scene for the rest of the weekend."

    People are being asked to stay away from the site while emergency services deal with the incident.

  4. What we know so far

    Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate in Rushden, Northamptonshire, at about 06:30 BST.

    Twelve crews have been tackling the fire involving a large quantity of plastic.

    All roads on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate have been closed while emergency services deal with the incident, and people are being asked to avoid the area and find an alternative route if commuting.

    The fire service says the building was evacuated prior to its arrival - with everyone at the site safely accounted for.

  5. Major incident declared over warehouse blaze

    A major incident has been declared by the emergency services after a huge fire broke out at a recycling warehouse in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

    We will bring you all the updates on the fire on this dedicated live text page.