Huge blaze is controlled
THE Fire Service battled to bring a huge blaze at a recycling plant under control.
Firefighters worked through the night at JWS Waste and Recycling on Frederick Road in Pendleton, near the busy A6 and Salford Crescent railway station.
The company, established in 1983, said the fire started in a materials recycling facility and has been contained.
Managing director Robin Tweedale said ‘mercifully’ no one was injured and confirmed the plant remained operational throughout.
In an update, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said fire crews were continuing to work to fully extinguish the fire, but said it was ‘under control.’
The blaze is said to have involved a large quantity of waste.
The public were advised to keep windows and doors shut. Road closures remained in place.
The fire service said yesterday: “Firefighters worked through the night battling the fire, which involves a large quantity of waste, and it is now under control.
“Four crews and a high-volume pump remain at the scene tackling the fire and the plume of smoke has reduced considerably.
“People are still advised to keep windows and doors closed in the area.
“The plume of smoke has now reduced considerably but people are still advised to keep windows and doors closed in the area. Road closures remain in place.”
The fire produced a tower of black smoke that could be seen for several miles across Greater Manchester.
Emergency crews from Broughton, Salford, Manchester Central, Moss Side, Atherton and Eccles were first called to the scene at 5.30pm. No cause has been revealed.
Frederick Road was closed from the A6 at Broad Street to Lower Broughton Road, and Lissadel Street was also closed.
Mr Tweedale said: “Due to the immediate response of the fire service and our staff, the fire has been contained to a specific area on the site.
“JWS Waste has focused on minimising any disruption to our customers by implementing our contingency plans and have subsequently maintained collection services and remain operational throughout.
“A thorough investigation into the cause of the blaze has already commenced and we are reassured that our rigorous health and safety processes and procedures were implemented successfully.”