Firefighters rush to massive warehouse blaze as enormous plume of smoke is seen 10 miles away

Firefighters have rushed to the scene of a massive warehouse blaze where plumes of smoke can be seen billowing for 10 miles.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) was called to the inferno at Monoworld recycling centre on the Sanders Lodge Industrial Estate, Rushden, Northamptonshire, at around 6.30am today.

Ten crews arrived on the scene and evacuated staff from the warehouse while tackling the fire which involves 'a large quantity of plastic'.

The fire service also deployed three turntable ladders, two water bowsers and a high-volume pump.

Residents as far away as Stotfold, Harrold and Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire reported seeing the smoke in the air.

An NFRS spokesperson posted to X: 'We're currently dealing with a large fire at a recycling warehouse on Sanders Lodge Ind Est in Rushden. Crews were called shortly before 6.30am. 

'On arrival found a fire involving a large quantity of plastic at the premises. Building was evacuated prior to our arrival. 

'We currently have 10 fire engines on scene, as well as three turntable ladders, 2 water bowsers & a high-volume pump. 

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the inferno at Monoworld recycling centre on the Sanders Lodge Industrial Estate just before 6.30am today

Ten crews arrived on the scene and evacuated staff from the warehouse while tackling the fire which is said to involve 'a large quantity of plastic'

The fire service also deployed three turntable ladders, two water bowsers and a high-volume pump

We are receiving cross border support from [Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service] in dealing with this incident, and we anticipate we will be on scene for the rest of the weekend.

'A section of Wellingborough Road near the warehouse is closed, and due to the large smoke plume coming from the blaze, we are asking people nearby to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed.'

A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: 'There is a large incident in Rushden (Northants) and smoke can be seen from the Harrold and Sharnbrook areas. 

'If you see smoke, there’s no need to ring 999 - emergency services are aware and are dealing with the incident.'

One person replied to the post on X saying they could 'see the smoke from Stotfold' - around 30 miles from Rushden.

Local reports say pieces of debris from the incident have landed in nearby gardens and onto homes.