Fire destroys UK plastics factory

A PLASTICS factory near Hull in the UK has been destroyed by a fire.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire at 15:30 on 24 November, which sent a huge plume of smoke over the surrounding area. Local residents reported hearing explosions and some in the area were evacuated from their homes. The fire service issued a warning for people in areas affected by smoke to stay indoors, and keep their doors and windows closed. A spokesperson for Humberside Fire and Rescue said that 300 tonnes of plastic fuelled the blaze at Bridgewood UK plastic factory in Hessle, though it is still "too early to tell" what the main source of the fire was, the Hull Daily Mail reports. The newspaper reports that the factory has been completely destroyed, no was hurt in the incident and while there is no longer a plume of smoke billowing from the factory, firefighters continue to put out pockets of fire.

Humberside Fire and Rescue declared a major incident and sent ten fire engines to the site as they fought to bring the fire under control.

At 06:25 this morning, Jason Kirby, of the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, gave an update on the situation: “Our crews and partner agencies have made significant progress throughout the night and brought the fire under control. We will remain onsite today, continuing to dampen down and to monitor the incident, along with partner agencies Humberside Police, UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency who are working with us to minimise any impact on the environment.

“The significant progress they have made by working throughout the night has meant there is now little disruption to those living and working in the area. We have reopened Priory Way and Saxon Way and local residents who were initially evacuated due to their close proximity to the incident, have been able to safely return home.”