Huge fire declared a 'major incident' with road closures nearby

A major incident has been declared as firefighters battle a large blaze at a recycling warehouse in Northamptonshire.

Emergency crews were called to the scene at Sanders Lodge Industrial Estate in Rushden at about 6.30am on Friday. A number of road closures have been put in place, and local residents are being advised to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed due to the black smoke billowing into the air.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said it is receiving cross-border support from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) and anticipates crews will remain at the scene "over the rest of the weekend". The building was evacuated prior to NRFS arrival, and everyone is said to be "safely accounted for".

NFRS said the fire involves a "large quantity of plastic" and gas to the site has been isolated. Twelve fire engines have been mobilised, as well as three aerial appliances, two water bowsers and a high-volume pump.

Mick Berry, NFRS area manager, said: "This is a large fire that is having a significant impact on the Sanders Lodge Industrial Estate in Rushden. "A multi-agency decision has been taken to declare a major incident, but fire crews are working extremely hard to prevent the fire from spreading and reduce the smoke plume.

"We would urge people to stay away from the site while emergency services deal with this incident and ask nearby residents to close windows and doors due to the large amount of smoke issuing from the site. "We anticipate that we will be on scene over the rest of the weekend, and we appreciate the impact this is having on local businesses on the estate and would like to thank them for their patience." Read more from Sky News:Moment wife of OceanGate CEO hears Titan sub implodingArmed police swarm hospital after 'man enters with crossbow' NFRS said while local residents have not been affected by the blaze, the service is working with North Northamptonshire Council and gas distribution network Cadent to "mitigate any impact that could affect up to 500 properties nearby".

Cadent confirmed the gas to the site has been isolated, with the firm's team continuing to provide support to the emergency crews. The council was contacted for comment.

Northamptonshire Police is providing support and has implemented a number of road closures, including: • Full closure of all slip roads at J16 of the A45, both eastbound and westbound (the A45 itself is open past the scene).• Ditchford Road, between the junction with Mill Road and the A45.• Northampton Road at the junction with Wellingborough Road.• Wellingborough Road at the junction with Washbrook Road. A force spokesperson said: "Please stay away from the area and keep doors and windows closed if you live nearby.

"Anyone travelling through on the A45 is also advised to keep windows up and air con off.".