Massive fire at Cornish industrial estate burns through night
Crews say around 100 tonnes of rubbish went up in flames at Launceston
Last updated 4th Aug 2022
A massive fire on a Cornish industrial estate, that burned through the night and scrambled firefighters from across Cornwall and Devon, is now out.
It broke out at the SUEZ Waste Transfer Station in Launceston, with smoke reportedly being seen for miles.
At its height, 11 crews were battling the blaze on Pennygillam Way, from as far as Helston to across the border in Devon.
Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service says around 100 tonnes of rubbish went up in flames.
Teams from the town, Callington, Liskeard, Holsworthy, Tavistock and Helston were at the scene from just before 9pm on Wednesday 3rd August.
An operational support unit from St Austell and aerial ladder platform from Newquay were also called out.
Waste was being cleared for most of the morning but Cornwall FRS have since confirmed the fire is out.
They said: "At this time the Fire Service is in attendance at a make pumps five industrial premises fire. Good progress is being made by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using hose reel jets.
"Pumping appliances from Launceston, Callington, Tavistock, and Holsworthy are on scene with the Incident Command Unit from Launceston, Aerial Platform from Newquay, and Water Carrier from Liskeard".
An update at 1am said: "There are currently seven pumps in attendance from Launceston, Callington, Liskeard, Holsworthy, Tavistock and Helston in attendance. These are supported by the Incident Command Unit from Launceston, Water Carrier from Liskeard, Operational Support Unit from St Austell and Aerial Ladder Platform from Newquay.
"A Station Manager is currently the Incident Commander, supported by an Area Manager. Good progress is being made - Incident now sectorised, with two operational sectors and one support sector in use. Approximately 100 tons of general waste involved".
By 3am, relief pumping appliances from Delabole and St Dennis had arrived and crews were said to making good progress.
At 5am, Cornwall FRS said: "Crews continuing to make slow progress damping down rubbish piles. Crews are being assisted by on-site staff to clear rubbish".
At 12.45pm they said: "Fire extinguished with all remaining appliances now returned to home stations".
Statement from SUEZ
"At approximately 9.00pm yesterday evening (Wednesday 3rd August), a fire broke out in a building which contains non-hazardous general waste at our refuse transfer station in Pennygillam Industrial Estate, Launceston.
"The fire service was called immediately and remain in attendance this morning, managing the fire. SUEZ staff have been and continue to be on site assisting the fire service.
"Fortunately, there are no reports of any injuries.
"Access to the site is currently restricted to the emergency services and essential SUEZ staff. As a result, the adjoining household waste recycling centre remains closed to the public until further notice. We are asking local residents to please use Tiscott Wood (Bude), Wheal Prosper (Bodmin) or Tamar View (Saltash) household waste recycling centres in the interim period.
"We would like to thank the Cornwall Fire and Rescue service and our operational staff for their continued efforts to manage the fire.
"The cause of the fire and the extent to which the facility has been damaged remain unknown but will be subject to investigation in due course.
"We apologise for the effect this incident is no doubt having on our neighbours and the local community – we appreciate your support and understanding".