Northern Ireland

Fire crews working in 'challenging conditions' to fight blaze at docks recycling site in Belfast

More than 40 firefighters were yesterday continuing to fight a large fire at a scrap metal recycling site in the docks area of Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
More than 40 firefighters were yesterday continuing to fight a large fire at a scrap metal recycling site in the docks area of Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell More than 40 firefighters were yesterday continuing to fight a large fire at a scrap metal recycling site in the docks area of Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell

Fire crews were working in "challenging conditions" in Belfast today to try to bring a large fire in the docks area of the city under control.

More than 40 firefighters were working to tackle the blaze, which broke out at the Clearway Disposal scrap metal recycling firm site at East Twin Road in the Harbour Industrial Estate on Tuesday.

The fire was reported to emergency services shortly after 1pm, and the blaze steadily grew in size throughout the afternoon and continued today.

It is understood six standard fire engines were initially brought to the scene, alongside five specialist fire appliances overseen by two specialist officers.

The fire, which could be seen from across Belfast, led to householders living nearby being asked to keep their windows closed.

This afternoon smoke could still be seen billowing from the site.

Group Commander Paul Rogers, the officer in charge of the operation, said it was a "large fire involving waste metal products".

"We currently have 42 personnel, two aerial appliances and specialist equipment in use," he said.

"Crews are working in challenging conditions with high winds hampering progress. We would advise the public in the vicinity to keep their windows closed and not to visit the scene".