picture credit: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

Around 25 fire fighters were called to a fire that broke out at Blakeley’s Waste Management (BWM) site in Hindley, Wigan at 4:37 this morning (4 March).

BWM specialises in the collection and transfer of hazardous and non-hazardous and electrical waste materials.

Reports suggest that fire broke out in a 100m x 80m building containing around 76 tonnes of non-hazardous waste.

According to Kev O’Connor, the Station Manager of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the fire was contained within the building by “laying the large hose line tightly to the curb – minimising disruption to traffic and local residents”. The dirty run off water was also contained which “helped protect local water courses and wildlife”.

O’Connor added that the crew managed to “protect the main office which was just 30 feet away from the fire [enabling them to] put the fire out without causing too much disruption to business continuity”.

Residents in the immediate area were initially advised to close their windows and doors as a precaution due to the amount of smoke. This advice was lifted at 8.15a.m. when three fire engines remained at the site for ‘dampening down’ activities.

The firefighters remained on site throughout the morning operating a digger to turn over and drag out the rubbish and continue getting water onto it to ensure the fire is fully extinguished. Police also attended the scene to assist with traffic management.

BWM’s General Manager, Graeme Knight, said: “The fire service were on the scene within minutes and the fire in the construction and demolition building was brought under control rapidly.

“We are very pleased with the actions of the fire service”, Knight added.

Nobody was injured during the blaze, except a firefighter who suffered a ‘minor ankle injury’.

The cause of the fire will be the subject of an investigation.