Sewage blaze tackled by firefighters in Heckmondwike

The fire started around 7pm at the plant in Smithies Lane near to the Ponderosa Farm.

Crews from Dewsbury, Batley, Cleckheaton, Batley and Bradford are in attendance and are said to have the blaze under control.

A huge plume of thick black smoke could be seen billowing for miles around and at the height of the blaze flames up to 30ft high could be seen.

Batley Watch Manager John Jackson said the fire was within a large circular concrete holding area within the sewage works which meant there was no fear of it spreading.

“We have requested specialist advice because of the nature of the material we are dealing with. We have surrounded and protected the area and are using water from the River Spen to put the fire out.”

He said no-one was working at the site when the fire broke out.

The fire engines had to break through electric gates to reach the site.

No-one has been injured and the cause is being investigated.

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