A large fire broke out at a recycling plant in the east end of Glasgow on Tuesday evening, sending plumes of smoke into the air and prompting a massive emergency response. The fire started at the NWH Waste Collection site on Nuneaton Street around 5pm, and was still burning as of Wednesday morning.
Firefighters battle to contain the blaze
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it received more than 40 calls from the public about the fire, and dispatched seven fire engines and specialist resources to the scene. The firefighters faced a “complex and challenging” situation, as they tried to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and vehicles. The fire involved a large quantity of mixed waste, including plastics, metals, and wood, which created a lot of smoke and heat.
The SFRS said it was working closely with the site owners, the police, the local authority, and other partners to bring the incident to a safe and swift conclusion. It also advised the public to avoid the area and to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.
Road closures and traffic disruption
The fire caused significant disruption to the traffic in the area, as several roads were closed and diversions were put in place. The affected roads included Nuneaton Street, Dalmarnock Road, London Road, and the Clyde Gateway. Glasgow City Council urged drivers to seek alternative routes and to follow the instructions of the emergency services.
The fire also affected the public transport, as some bus services were diverted or cancelled. The ScotRail said the trains were running as normal, but warned the passengers to expect some delays due to the smoke.
No reported casualties or injuries
The police said there were no reported casualties or injuries as a result of the fire, and that they were supporting the SFRS in managing the incident. They also said they were investigating the cause of the fire, which was not yet known.
The site owners, NWH Group, said they were cooperating with the authorities and that they were grateful for the efforts of the firefighters. They also said they were assessing the extent of the damage and the impact on their operations.
Not the first fire at the site
This was not the first time that a fire broke out at the NWH Waste Collection site. In February 2023, a similar fire occurred at the same location, which took more than a day to extinguish. At that time, the SFRS said the fire was accidental and that it involved a large pile of waste.
The NWH Group is a waste management and recycling company that operates across Scotland and the north of England. It provides services such as skip hire, waste collection, recycling, and landfill diversion. It claims to be committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
