Firefighters battled the fire in Darlington overnight but it is still burning today (May 23).
At 5.11am yesterday (Wednesday), County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) received a report of a fire at the Waste Transfer Station, on Whessoe Road.
Crews remain at the scene.
Phil Innis, CDDFRS Group Manager, is the lead firefighter at the scene, he said: “This is far from a typical fire – therefore it requires a non-typical method to safely extinguish.
“The fire started within an industrial unit that houses general household waste – your everyday rubbish you’d find in the average kitchen bin.
“Meaning just applying water with a hose reel directly on the fire won’t extinguish it.
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“Instead, our crews need to remove the smouldering waste – of which there is around 120 tonnes – bit by bit using specialist machinery. Once removed from the industrial unit, which is very smoke logged, crews then need to dampen down the waste and ensure it has stopped smouldering.
“It’s a lengthy job but we’ve made good progress working through the night and are being supported by the site owners, the Environment Agency and local authority every step of the way.”
He added: “We thank local people for their support and ask they keep their doors and windows closed until further notice. Once it’s safe to re-open, we’ll let you know.”
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