A Suffolk recycling centre says it will be open for business as usual today, just days after firefighters battled a huge inferno at the site.
Sackers in Great Blakenham was the scene of a massive blaze, which raged through Friday night, and saw more than 60 firefighters called in to stop the fire spreading to nearby homes and businesses.
The fire started in a 100-tonne pile of scrap metal, and staff have paid tribute to the emergency services.
In a statement issued on Saturday the company said: “Yesterday’s fire was identified shortly after 6.30pm and our emergency protocol was immediately activated. Thanks to Suffolk Fire and Rescue’s quick response, the situation was brought under control and there were no injuries or damage to the adjacent railway infrastructure.
“We would like to thank local residents and businesses for their vigilance in reporting the incident and Suffolk Fire and Rescue for their tireless work to extinguish the fire.
“We would also like to recognise our staff who worked alongside firefighters to manage the situation and to ensure there was also no damage to our plant, equipment and buildings.
“In the coming weeks, we will fully support the investigation into the cause of the fire. In the meantime, we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to our neighbours.
“We would also like to reassure our customers that we will be open as usual on Monday from 7.30am.”
An investigation into the cause of the blaze has now started.
Firefighters were called to the scene shortly after 6.30pm.
According to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, 27 vehicles were deployed to deal with the flames, plus a water carrier and an aerial appliance.
Firefighters came from stations including Stowmarket, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Needham Market, Sudbury, Orford and Leaden Roding, Essex.
The public was not at threat during the incident, but the fire service advised people to stay away from the centre and that nearby residents closed their windows and doors against the smoke.
At the height of the blaze, flames could be seen from miles around, including the A14, and trains on the Norwich to London mainline were cancelled in both directions due to the line’s proximity to the fire.
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