Massive blaze at Rushden recycling plant sends towering smoke plume across Northamptonshire

23 May 2025 , 10:22

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Massive blaze at Rushden recycling plant sends towering smoke plume across Northamptonshire

A thick plume of smoke can be seen for miles around after an industrial building caught fire.

The fire took hold at a recycling facility in Rushden, near Northampton, shortly before 6:30 am.

Pictures show the thick black smoke blocking out the sun as it pours into the sky, with the column of smoke visible for miles.

Alex Teix shared a picture of the smoke on X, showing the plume starkly visible against the sky from 10 miles away in Milton Ernest, near Bedford.

Another user, called Dane, took a picture of the smoke in the distance from 20 miles away in Corby.

Firefighters are at the scene of the blaze, using a crane and hose to douse the flames in water from above. The building had already been evacuated when they arrived.

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently dealing with a large fire at a recycling warehouse on Sanders Lodge industrial estate in Rushden.

‘Crews were called shortly before 6:30 am and on arrival found a fire involving a large quantity of plastic at the premises. The building was evacuated prior to our arrival.

‘We currently have 10 fire engines on scene, as well as 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.’

Elizabeth Baker