UPDATE 5.30pm: There are currently five fire engines at the site, along with two water carriers and a command support unit.

Fire crews are using four main jets and two ground sprays, plus a high volume pumping unit to help provide a sufficient supply of water.

They are being assisted by on-site staff who are using excavation machines to dig out the pile of waste material to help extinguish the fire more quickly.

Crews are also continuing to work closely with partner agencies, including the Environment Agency, Public Health England (PHE), West Mercia Police, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

The incident is expected to continue for some time to come and there will be a further update tomorrow morning.

A FIRE at an open air recycling plant in Long Marston, near Bidford, has been brought under control but it is expected to take a number of days before the fire is completely put out.

Crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) were called to the fire at Sims Metal UK at 9.10pm last night which contained around 12-15,000 tonnes of recycled materials including foam, fibre and plastics from cars.

Given the amount of material involved it is expected to take a number of days for the fire service, with help from SIMS, to completely put the fire out.

Derek Campbell, General Manager of Sims Group UK said “We’re working with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the fire is dealt with as quickly as possible. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to local residents and will be reviewing our internal fire prevention procedures at this site.

"As of right now we still don't know the cause of the fire, but we appreciate the efforts of all emergency responders. Safety and the health of the communities in which we live and work are our highest priorities. We take this matter seriously and will work to prevent such an occurrence in the future.”

Public Health England (PHE) in the West Midlands is aware of the on-going fire at the Sims Metal UK recycling plant in Long Marston and is working with the Environment Agency, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services to manage the incident.

A PHE West Midlands spokesperson said: “Smoke from any source may contain substances that irritate the lining of air passages, eyes and skin; making the eyes and throat sore and possibly worsening any breathing or heart conditions.”

 

“Respirator symptoms may include coughing and wheezing, breathlessness, sputum (phlegm) production and chest pain. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual.”

“People should do all they can to stay out of the smoke. If residents are affected by smoke, they should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should also keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.”

Anyone affected by the smoke or concerned about its impact on their health should call NHS Direct 0845 4647 / NHS 111.

Wychavon District Council will co-odinate advice to the public from the relevant experts.

Residents can keep track of the latest advice by following #longmarstonfire on twitter or by visiting www.wychavon.gov.uk

There are no reports of any injuries but residents in the immediate area were this morning being advised to keep windows and doors closed until further notice, and to listen to local radio for updated information.

Station commander Gary Jay from HWFRS said: “This is a deep-seated fire and we anticipate that it will be on-going for some time yet. We are monitoring the weather and wind patterns, and liaising closely with police, the Environment Agency, local health and on site staff to determine a plan as we move forward.”

Two crews from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, from Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden, were called upon to provide support from 10.30pm – joining five more crews from neighbouring services in Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. A total of around 50 firefighters attended the incident.

Gloucestershire firefighters helped provide water at the plant and left the scene at 1.15am today.

Chief Fire Officer Jon Hall said: “Our crews were called to what turned out to be a major incident in a challenging environment. This is a good example of the way in which we often work with neighbouring services to provide our experience and tackle emergencies throughout the region.”