Firefighters tackle massive blaze at city recycling plant

Published on Monday 30 August 2010 08:03

DOZENS of firefighters battled a major fire today after a blaze broke out at one of the city's largest recycling plants.

&#149 Fire crews try to put out the blaze at the recycling plant. The smoke could be seen across the Capital

Fire crews rushed to the Biffa Waste Services plant in Granton after being alerted by nightshift staff at the site.

Six appliances and at least 35 firefighters were called to the incident at West Shore Road shortly after 5.20am.

The blaze at the large warehouse building could be seen across the Capital after the fire took hold of cardboard inside the plant.

Roads around the around the site on West Shore Road were closed by police.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue said crews had requested increased water pressure from the water board to deal with the fire.

At least six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus battled the blaze with jet hoses, while ground fixtures were put in place to keep pressure on the blaze.

The spokesman said: "We were initially called by staff at the site at 5.23am this morning. The building, which is 75 metres by 50 metres, is still well alight and will take some time to put out.

"We have six appliances in attendance and another has been requested. We have about 35 crew on the scene and fire officers are in attendance.

"Relief crews are being prepared to take over from those on the site. Ground monitors are being put in place to fire the hoses on the building. We're expecting to be there for some time and have asked for increased the water pressure around the area."

Speaking from the scene, incident commander Robert Taylor added: "We are currently investigating the cause of the fire but it is still very much ongoing now. There is nothing to suggest it's suspicious at this time.

"There is some structural damage and it is a recycling plant so there are materials like cardboard inside but we are bringing it under control.

"It is quite spectacular and smoke from the building can be seen from across the city. There was a night shift but everyone is clear of the building."

A police spokesman said that officers have closed roads around the scene.