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Firefighters tackle 'significant' blaze at recycling plant

BBC Firefighters around a fire appliance, smoke can be seen in the background. BBC
More than 70 firefighters have been dealing with the fire in Coleraine

More than 70 firefighters have been dealing with a "significant" blaze at a recycling plant in Coleraine.

The Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) were called to the scene, at RiverRidge, on Craigmore Road just outside the County Londonderry town, at 02:13 GMT on Friday morning.

The fire service said they arrived to a "well-developed fire" at the site which had been closed for the night.

They have also deployed more 13 appliances.

That includes eight pumping appliances; two high reach turntable ladders; two water tankers and a command support unit.

NIFRS A fire engine sits outside a large warehouse a door which says 'Bay 2'NIFRS
NIFRS were called to the scene in the early hours of Friday morning

'Don't let curiosity get the better of you'

Andy Burns from NIFRS said the operation will continue for some time.

He advised residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to "a large plume of smoke".

"It's in a rural area so it's not densely populated," he told Good Morning Ulster.

However he said it was "significant" and asked that the road network be kept clear and encouraged people "not to go and look for themselves".

"Don't let curiosity get the better of you," he added.

There have been no reports of any injuries and no one was in the building at the time.

Too early to know extent of damage

RiverRidge CEO Brett Ross said it was too early to assess the cause and extent of the damage.

The fire will be the subject of an immediate and thorough investigation and both the Health and Safety Executive and Northern Ireland Environment Agency have been notified.

"Contingency plans for the company have been enacted and we have alerted key customers to assure them of our ongoing services," said Mr Ross.

He said waste collection was ongoing but there will be some disruption or delays to skip services.

Mr Ross thanked the fire service for their immediate response and support and apologised for any inconvenience caused to those nearby.

Meanwhile, a gorse fire on the Tullyree Road, in Kilcoo, County Down, has been extinguished.

The fire service said: "The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition."