Huge blaze is tackled
ALMOST 50 firefighters were last night tackling the blaze at a former waste disposal plant in the Deptford area of Sunderland.
Huge flames could be seen inside the property and large clouds of billowing smoke was visible from all over the North East including as far as Teesside.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service sent 48 firefighters from nine fire engines, three specialist units and three senior officers to the scene.
It is believed that the fire was at the former Alex Smiles waste management site, in Deptford Terrace. A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Please avoid the area, keep all doors and windows closed.”
Northumbria Police were also in attendance.
A spokesman for the force said: “I can confirm that we got a call at 5.58pm to reports of a fire at a waste disposal plant in the Sunderland area.
“Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance and have command of the situation.
“We have a limited amount of resources in attendance assisting with road closures while they deal with it.”
Crowds of onlookers gathered to watch as smoke billowed from the building.
Chris Stanler, 24, said: You could see the smoke from mine so I decided to come and have a look.
“I’m surprised how many people are out here, there’s tonnes.
“I think everyone wanted to find out what it was, it’s massive. It looks like it’s getting worse now.”
Onlooker David Cairns, 43, from Sunderland, said: “I think it’s an old waste disposal centre, but it’s derelict now.
“I have been here watching all night, I think it started around 6.30pm. The firefighters seemed to be getting a grip of it but then it just flares up again. I have been here hours.”
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