Everything we know so far about huge Doncaster recycling plant blaze

Dozens of firefighters remain at Morris Metals in Balby Carr Bank this morning following the massive inferno which first broke out after 9pm on Monday.

Here’s everything we know about the huge blaze which has been seen from as far as 50 miles away

Fire crews were first called at 9.20pm on Monday night after fire broke out at the factory, which is situated on Doncaster’s J3 Business Park alongside the East Coast Main Line railway line.

At the height of the blaze, more than 60 firefighters and 12 fire appliances were at the scene. Crews say they expect to be at the site for ‘some days to come.’

The firm recycles metal and the blaze – the cause of which has not been determined – is believe to have started in a warehouse.

Crews have contained the blaze to the warehouse and prevented it from spreading and are continuing to damp down and extinguish hotspots within the charred shell of the building, in the heart of one of Doncaster’s largest industrial zones.

Bales of crushed metal – used in the firm’s business – have been responsible for fuelling the flames which caused the building’s roof to collapse.

Residents living in the area have been advised to keep doors and windows closed and drivers on the M18 also urged not to open windows or use air con.

Other businesses in the area were unable to open yesterday, with power to the park cut off as fire crews tackled the blaze, but workers at neighbouring premises are expected to be able to return in the next few days.

Balby Carr Bank has been closed at the junction with Woodfield Way while the firefighting battle goes on.

Residents living in Grantham, Lincolnshire – more than 50 miles away from Doncaster – reported being able to see smoke from the blaze yesterday.

Millions of pounds worth of scrap metal and specialist machinery are understood to have been destroyed.

Bosses at Morris Metals have thanked firefighters for their efforts and have pledged to assist with the investigation into the fire.