Major incident declared after huge fire engulfs recycling warehouse as firefighters rush to tackle raging inferno

WATCH: Massive fire erupts near Rushden Lakes

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 23/05/2025

- 12:45

Updated: 23/05/2025

- 14:48

Fire crews are at the recycling warehouse in Rushden

A major incident has been declared after a massive fire broke out in Northamptonshire, with fire crews tackling the blaze.

The incident took place at a recycling warehouse on Sanders Lodge Industrial Estate in Rushden.


Upon arrival, fire crews found a "large quantity of plastic" set alight.

All roads on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate have been closed while emergency services deal with the incident.

Rushden fire

The fire broke out at the recycling plant

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue

Rushden fire

Fire crews dealing with the blaze

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue

Smoke flying upwards from the blaze could be seen from up to 13 miles away, with people living as far away as Gayton reporting it.

Area manager Mick Berry, from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "A multi-agency decision has been taken to declare a major incident, but fire crews are working extremely hard to prevent the fire from spreading and reduce the smoke plume.

"We would urge people to stay away from the site while emergency services deal with this incident and ask nearby residents to close windows and doors due to the large amount of smoke issuing from the site.

"We anticipate that we will be on scene over the rest of the weekend, and we appreciate the impact this is having on local businesses on the estate and would like to thank them for their patience."

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Rushden fire

Smoke flying upwards from the blaze could be seen from up to 13 miles away, with people living as far away as Gayton reporting it

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

A spokesman from the service said: "We are receiving cross-border support from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in dealing with this incident, and we anticipate we will be on scene for the rest of the weekend."

Labour MP for Wellingborough and Rushden Gen Kitchen said that emergency services will likely be at the scene for the remainder of the weekend.

All roads on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate have been closed while emergency services deal with the incident, and people are asked to avoid the area and find an alternative route if commuting.

Fire at the Northamptonshire plant

All roads on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate have been closed while emergency services deal with the incident and people are asked to avoid the area and find an alternative route if commuting

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

A Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said gas to the site has been isolated and North Northamptonshire Council and Cadent to mitigate any impact that could affect up to 500 properties nearby.