FIRE crews remained at the scene of a major blaze at a waste recycling plant in Co Down last night as residents were urged to avoid the area and keep all doors and windows closed.
Nine fire appliances were initially sent to the scene in Killough yesterday after the blaze broke out at MacNabb Waste Management on the Downpatrick Road shortly before 10.30am.
It is not yet known what caused the blaze.
Staff were safely evacuated from the plant, but huge plumes of smoke could be seen coming from the site.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said appliances from Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Newcastle, Lisburn and Belfast attended.
In a statement yesterday at 5pm, a NIFRS spokesman said: "Seven fire appliances and a command support unit remain in attendance at a fire at a recycling plant on Downpatrick Road, Killough.
"Firefighters are wearing breathing apparatus and using hoses to tackle the fire.
"The incident is ongoing and is expected to continue late into the evening.
"A lot of smoke has been created by the fire and we are asking everyone to avoid the area and for local residents to keep their doors and windows closed."
Police had also issued a warning for motorists in the area.
A statement from PSNI said: "The Downpatrick Road, Killough is closed at the junction with Station Road as Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service deal with a fire at a recycling plant in the area.
"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative main routes for their journey."
SDLP assembly member Colin McGrath said he hoped that damage to the building would be limited and his thoughts were with those affected.
"I understand that all of the staff team have been evacuated safely which is the first concern," he said.
"It will be important now for the fire service to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible and to ensure that the damage to the property is minimal.
"I hope that the business is able to recover quickly form this major incident.
"They are a successful company and major employer in the area."
