Road shut as recycling hub fire blazes overnight

4 hours ago

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria

Emergency services were still at the scene on Saturday, hours after the alarm was raised the night before

CFRS A fire engine and a smaller van from the fire service, parked on the side of a road, next to a hedge. It is dark and both vehicles have their beam lights on. There are bags on the floor, next to the van. — Emergency services were still at the scene on Saturday, hours after the alarm was raised the night before

A large fire has broken out at a recycling centre, with dozens of firefighters working overnight to control it.

Crews continue to tackle the fire at Sinkfall Skip Hire and Recycling in Barrow, Cumbria, hours after the alarm was raised at 21:40 BST on Friday.

About 60 firefighters and 10 fire engines were there at the height of the blaze at the building, which contains cardboard, recycling and machinery. No injuries have been reported.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) said it would remain on site all day, with a road closure at Park Road, from the Abbey Road roundabout to Dalton bypass, expected to remain in place at least until lunchtime.

Cumbria Police has asked neighbours to keep windows and doors closed.

CFRS's area manager Jennie Schamp said about five fire engines were still at the scene at about 08:30 on Saturday.

"At the moment the cause is unknown and it may be difficult to confirm because the building was fully [on fire] when we got there," she said.

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