Kidderminster-based Lawrence Recycling has been devastated by a major fire. The resultant smoke caused tailbacks on nearby roads and locals were evacuated over fears that the blaze could spread.
It took the crews of 15 fire appliances to quell the inferno, which started in a warehouse containing waste paper and plastic.
Jon Pryce, the area commander for the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), told local media: “We arrived at the plant to find a deep-seated fire in a huge pile of waste materials awaiting recycling.”
A hazardous materials officer attended the fire, which took five hours to get under control. All 55 of the plant's staff were safely evacuated.