RESIDENTS near a massive industrial estate fire have been warned to “stay indoors” after locals heard explosions “every second” as the blaze raged on.
Firefighters raced to the scene after the inferno broke out at an electrical and battery recycling treatment facility at around 9pm in Linwood Industrial Estate in Paisley, Renfrewshire.
As many as 10 fire appliances worked to tackle the fire overnight, with six appliances and two height vehicles still at the scene at 5.30am.
Shocking images and footage showed large plumes of thick smoke billowing into the sky for miles.
An eyewitness said: “The smoke is so dark it’s like night-time.
“It’s stretching right out to Renfrew at least.
“Cops have shut down the roads around the area.
“There are so many explosions going off every second.”
Another concerned local added: “We’ve been here 15-20 minutes and it keeps getting bigger and bigger, they look like they are struggling to get it under control.”
A police spokesperson said: “Burnbrae Road in Linwood, Paisley is currently closed at the Linclive Interchange due to an ongoing fire within the Linwood Industrial Estate.
“The cycle path behind the industrial estate has also been closed.
“Emergency services are in attendance and members of the public are asked to avoid the area until further notice.
“As a precaution, local residents are asked to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed for the time being.”
Area Commander David Murdoch said: “We continue to work with the recycling centre and partner agencies to minimise the disruption to the local community and will continue to provide updates.
“While smoke continues to be visible, we would ask that residents remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.
“If travelling through smoke, motorists should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.”
Scottish Environment Protection Agency national duty manager Judith Moore said: “Following initial reports at around 11pm on Sunday evening of a significant fire at Linwood Industrial Estate, Paisley, SEPA officers deployed and worked across the night to support SFRS as part of a multi-agency response.
“SEPA officers remain in attendance at the site of WEEE Solutions Ltd, a specialist waste electrical and battery recycling treatment facility at Burnbrae Road, Linwood.
“Residents are urged to continue to follow the SFRS for the latest information and advice.
“Environmental impacts can be reported at sepa.org.uk/report.”
More to follow…
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