Commercial building fire - Elstow

Update - 2pm Thursday 10 July 2025

Fire crews have continued to work at Elstow Waste Transfer Station and we can now confirm the fire has been extinguished.

Residents are no longer advised to close windows and doors as a result.

A number of contractors will remain onsite as the deconstruction of the building continues.

We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding.

Update - 4.45pm Wednesday 9 July

We continue to be onsite at Elstow Waste Transfer Station, where the systematic deconstruction of the building housing the fire has meant that firefighters have been able to safely access and continue to extinguish the fires.

Residents in Wixams, Wilstead, Houghton Conquest, Cotton End, Haynes and Shortstown are advised to keep windows and doors closed if they’re affected by the smoke.

Agencies have confirmed that the waste is non-hazardous and there are no concerns around air quality. However, exposure to smoke can irritate the lining of the throat, skin and eyes, which is why we’re advising to minimise exposure as much as possible.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.

Update - 7:30pm Tuesday 8 July

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service remains on scene at the Elstow Waste Transfer Site, where demolition began earlier today.

As the waste is being removed, firefighters are safely able to continue to extinguish any fire and hotspots and good progress is being made.

We’d like to thank local residents for their continued patience and support. If you're in the Wixams or Wilstead areas, please:

Keep windows and doors closed 

Avoid outdoor activities where possible

Update - 1pm Tuesday 8 July

Due to the change in wind direction, residents in Wixams and Wilstead are encouraged to continue to keep their windows and doors closed in light of continued present smoke. 

We would also recommend residents avoid spending time outdoors unless essential

Smoke is also present when driving on the A6, between Wixams and the A421. Crews remain in attendance and monitoring on site, so please refrain from reporting to 999   

Update - 8pm Monday 7 July

Due to the change in wind direction, those in the area of Elstow waste recycling site are encouraged to continue to keep their windows and doors closed in light of continued present smoke.

Smoke is also present when driving on the A6, between Wixams and the A421. Crews remain in attendance and monitoring on site, so please refrain from reporting to 999.
 

At 8.56pm on Friday (4) crews from Ampthill, Bedford, Dunstable, Kempston, Harrold, Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Potton, Shefford and Toddington were called to a fire at Elstow Waste Transfer Site, Elstow.

At 8.56pm on Friday (4) crews from Ampthill, Bedford, Dunstable, Kempston, Harrold, Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Potton, Shefford and Toddington were called to a fire at Elstow Waste Transfer Site, Elstow.

Crews arrived onto the scene and found a rubbish fire in a waste sorting facility. After discussions with local partners, it was decided to allow the fire to burn in a controlled and managed way, with precautions put in place to protect nearby infrastructure.

Firefighters used monitors to protect nearby substation, methane collection plant and diesel tanks. Inflatable drain blockers were used to prevent water run off entering watercourse. Thermal imaging cameras and drones were used to monitor hotspots. An aerial platform and 2 water carriers were in attendance to assist.

Nearby residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid the area.

The fire investigation is ongoing, and the fire is not believed to have been deliberate.