Fire crews still tackling blaze a day later

Firefighters are continuing to dampen a "significant" blaze at a recycling centre more than 24 hours after it started.

Crews were called to the Suez site on Kings Weston Lane in Avonmouth, Bristol, at 01:32 BST on Wednesday.

An investigation into the cause of the fire will begin after the incident is concluded, a spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) said.

Roads were closed when the fire broke out and the public was asked to avoid the area. Residents living nearby have been advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut due to the ongoing presence of smoke.

In a statement, an AFRS spokesperson said: "A reduced number of crews remain at the scene this morning [Thursday].

"Firefighters are damping down the fireground, monitoring hotspots and working with Suez personnel to maintain site safety.

"Crews are expected to remain for much of the day."

A major incident had been declared on Wednesday but was stood down later in the day.

Fred Stinchcombe, regional manager at Suez UK, said the fire broke out at a facility where dry mixed recycling from local households and businesses is sorted.

Staff were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, he confirmed.

Matthew Crovetto, AFRS group manager, told BBC Radio Bristol the fire spread "quite rapidly" and had "heavily damaged" the roof and internal structures.

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