Ten fire engines tackle blaze at Viridor MRF

Around 60 fire-fighters were called to Viridor’s Ford materials recycling facility yesterday (27 May) after a fire broke out.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at 12.37pm. Two fire engines were initially sent out to the scene. Eventually, 10 fire engines tackled the fire, managing to get it under control by 15.39pm. It was extinguished by around 5pm the same day.

Recycling material and equipment was damaged. The building suffered smoke damage but no fire damage.

The MRF opened in July 2009.

A Viridor spokesperson said: “A full investigation into the cause of the fire is already underway, but we understand it started in a plastics storage bunker within the building.

“We can confirm that the plant does not process any hazardous materials, so there is no risk to the environment or local community as a consequence of this incident.”

Police have been informed but the fire is not thought to have been a criminal act.