Over 30 firefighters battle blaze at recycling plant

AN INVESTIGATION was launched yesterday into the cause of an early morning blaze which badly damaged a recycling plant in Dundee.

More than 30 firefighters from Tayside Fire and Rescue Service tackled the fire at the Dundee Energy Recycling Ltd (DERL) plant in the city’s Forties Road.

Station manager Bruce Farquharson said that two appliances had initially been mobilised to deal with the incident.

He continued: “On arrival the fire, involving a large quantity of waste materials, was developing inside a waste storage and sorting room and was spreading through the conveyor and ducting system.

“Following initial assessment by the incident commander, additional resources were requested. Fire control dispatched a further five appliances including an aerial appliance, a command support vehicle and a senior manager.

“At the peak of the incident, over 30 firefighters were deployed using breathing apparatus with three jets and the aerial platform deployed as an observation point.

“The deluge system installed within the building was deployed in order to prevent fire spread and to assist firefighters to bring the fire under control.”

He added: “The cause of the fire is not yet known. However, an investigation will be undertaken in conjunction with the plant operator to determine the cause.”

The plant is understood to have been unoccupied when the fire broke out.