Firefighters from Ipswich, Needham Market, Felixstowe and Newmarket battling large fire at Sackers recycling plant in Great Blakenham
Firefighters are battling a massive fire at a scrap metal and waste recycling centre near Ipswich.
Twenty-two engines, including crews from Ipswich, Needham Market, Felixstowe, Colchester and Newmarket have been called to Sackers, in Gipping Road, Great Blakenham, since the fire was reported 9.57am.
A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) described it as a massive fire.
Black smoke has been seen billowing from the site, which has been spotted from as far away as Harwich and Diss.
It is believed to have started in the scrap metal area of the plant, the spokesman said, and the smoke could ‘be seen for miles’.
The service urged residents to shut windows to minimise the effects of the smoke.
A spokesperson for Greater Anglia said train lines between Ipswich and Needham Market have been blocked as a result of the blaze.
The firm believed the incident involved gas cylinders.
Disruption should be expected until further notice.
A spokesman for Suffolk Police has confirmed that Gipping Road and Mason Drive, in Great Blakenham, are closed due to the fire.
Firefighters are still at the scene as of 1.35pm.
At 12.40pm, the SFRS spokesman said firefighters were facing no issues tackling the blaze.
The number of vehicles present indicated how massive the fire was, he said.
SFRS has brought in engines from both Essex and Norfolk to assist.
The SFRS spokesman said fire crews are likely to remain at the scene into the night.
New drone footage has been supplied to SuffolkNews showing the extent of the fire.
You can see it using this link.
More to come.
