Sherburn tyre fire: Firefighters tackling 15,000 tonne tyre blaze

Fire crews were called to the inferno at the Newgen Recycling plant at Gascoigne Wood just after 8:40 this morning. On arrival officers found a large number of the stockpiled tyres already on fire.

Fourteen fire appliances were attending to the incident as of this lunchtime, responding from fire stations across both North and West Yorkshire.

It was initially feared that the site contained around 1,000 tonnes of tyres, but as the situation escalated throughout the morning crews revised the figure upwards to as many as 15,000 tonnes. Because of the sheer scale of the blaze, fire officials now fear it 'could burn for days'.

North Yorkshire Fire Service says it is using a technique to create a 'water curtain' around the fire. This is intended to be used as a cooling method in an effort to restrict the spread of the fire.

Smoke created by the blaze is understood to raise for more than 1,000ft into the sky, visible from York and Leeds. 

Public health officials are urging people to stay inside and stay away from the smoke. Residents nearby have been warned to keep all windows and doors closed as a precaution.

Anyone who has existing respiratory problems, such as asthma, is advised to keep taking their medication and avoid exposure to the smoke.

A Public Health England spokesman said, “So far, there have been no reports of any people experiencing ill effects from this fire. However, sheltering indoors provides protection from exposure to smoke, so we advise residents in areas affected by smoke from the fire to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed as much as possible to limit any exposure to smoke. Reports from the scene indicate that the smoke is not affecting areas close to the site at this point in time.”

“Anyone who suffers from respiratory conditions, such as asthma, is advised to ensure they have taken any prescribed medication and keep it to hand. If you are concerned about the effects of smoke on your health, telephone your GP or call 111 for advice.

“Motorists who have to travel through any smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

"The emergency services are on-site dealing with the fire and the other agencies involved will continue to monitor the situation and issue any necessary further advice to the public, businesses and organisations affected.”

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council advised schools to take sensible precautions including keeping children indoors with windows closed in areas where they can smell smoke. Otherwise schools should allow children to go to school as normal until advised otherwise.

Limited disruption to the highways network has been experienced in the vicinity of the incident. The only delays we are currently aware of are on the B1222 at Sherburn in Elmet.

Those in the area have been taking to social media to share images of the incident as it happens, here are a selection...