Probe into blaze at rubbish mound

Two crews were called out in the early hours of Sunday after 25 bales of recycled plastic were set ablaze at Goole docks. They are among 3,000 bales of rubbish, some ripped, smelly and fly-infested, which have been waiting for shipment to Germany for more than a month.

The Environment Agency has served a notice on Leeds Paper Recycling to clear the site by July 11 – but the company could appeal. Humberside Fire and Rescue Service say they are treating the fire as “malicious ignition”.

Yesterday an officer was carrying out checks using thermal-imaging equipment after local councillor Keith Moore raised concerns about the possibility of spontaneous combustion.

Coun Moore said: “Whether it was spontaneous combustion or malicious, the danger is the whole thing could go up and they would have evacuate neighbouring houses because of the fumes it would give off. It was supposed to be sheeted over because birds were getting in and the plastic was getting ripped and peoples’ homes were being infested with flies.

“Although the Environment Agency have served them with a month’s notice, they could appeal and it could still take another two months.”

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: “We understand peoples’ concerns and want to see the company responsible for causing the problem be the one to clear it away, rather than the cost of removal being shouldered by the taxpayer.”

LPR said damage to the end of the wrap at the end of the bales, which contain non-recyclable plastic, paper, fibre and textiles, meant the Environment Agency couldn’t allow a shipment licence.

They are meeting contractors on Friday to work on a resolution.