60 firefighters tackle toxic blaze in Hull

Crews from 12 fire stations as far away as Scunthorpe and Winterton on the south bank of the Humber were called to the blaze at JKN Polymers Ltd in Helsinki Road, which began at about 1.30am today.

The fire, which took hold of recycled plastic pellets in the yard, blackened one of two wind turbines at the site and sent a pall of toxic black smoke over businesses on Sutton Fields Industrial Estate, and into Sutton Fields housing estate nearby.

Residents were warned to close their windows to prevent the smoke entering their homes and roads surrounding the site were closed.

The demand for water was such that firefighters used high velocity pumps to bring water from the River Hull a mile away.

The fire was brought under control at about 6.50am and its cause is being jointly investigated by police and firefighters.

A spokeswoman for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said: “Residents can be fully reassured that even though this incident was heavily resourced, fire appliances and crews were available across the service area to attend any other incidents during this time.”