60 firefighters battle blaze at recycling plant

Published on 28/12/2012 00:01

More than 60 firefighters from across central Scotland were called out to tackle a massive blaze at a recycling plant yesterday morning.

A total of 17 fire engines sped to the waste treatment facility at Kilbagie Mill, a mile north of Kincardine, shortly after 8am after reports of smoke billowing from the site.

The plant is operated by Oran Environmental Solutions. No-one has been injured and all staff are safe.

The fire broke out in a large warehouse which contains recyclable material such as clothing, mattresses and waste paper.

Fire crews provided spray jets to protect surrounding properties and the major incident was said to be “under control” by midday.

Chief fire officer with Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service Kenneth Taylor said yesterday lunchtime: “Given the scale of combustible material involved it’s likely this incident will be protracted with crews having to remain on scene over the next day or two for damping down.

“We do hope, however, to be able to make inroads over the next few hours in order that we can reduce the extent of the smoke plume.

“We are working with all our partners including, the police, [environment agency] Sepa, representatives from Oran, Scottish Power and Clackmannanshire Council to assist in bringing about a resolution.”

Central Scotland Police was forced to advise motorists to reduce their speed near the scene, as smoke was blowing across both north and southbound carriageways near the A876 Kilbagie and Higgins Neuk roundabouts.