A fire has broken out at the Blenheim Transfer Station and Resource Recovery Centre with nearby residents urged to close their windows.
Flames could be seen coming from within the Resource Recovery Centre building, where visitors sort their recyclable waste, and acrid smoke billowed towards the road.
The Marlborough District Council issued a statement at 2.50pm on Thursday saying that fire crews were battling the fire.
“There is considerable smoke. Residents and businesses nearby are advised to close all windows and avoid smoke inhalation.
“The facility is closed to the public until further notice.”
A council spokesperson said about 5pm the fire was still burning, and would likely take another three or four hours to extinguish.
“The Blenheim Transfer Station and the Resource Recovery Centre, including The Dump Shop, will remain closed to the public until further notice.
“The fire investigation team has been called as per standard operating procedures.”
All staff had been safely evacuated.
“Residents and businesses in the area are advised to remain cautious regarding any residual smoke.”
Kerbside rubbish and recycling collection on Friday would go ahead as normal, and the council was already working on contingencies to ensure no recycling went to landfill, the spokesperson said.
By Kira Carrington, Local Democracy Reporter
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
