Commercial building fire - Elstow
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.