THE ELEMENTS worked both for and against fire-fighters who tackled a major waste paper blaze on Sunday evening (Feb 6).

At its height there were 40 firemen working to fight the flames, which destroyed around 1,000 tones of baled paper at SCA Recycling in Pilsworth.

Strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly, although thick, drifting smoke initially proved to be more of a concern to fire chiefs.

However, torrential rain during the night helped to control the fire as officers poured thousands of gallons of water on to the burning paper bales.

Teenagers are being blamed for causing the fire.

Sub-Officer Andy Cropper of Whitefield Fire Station said: "High winds scattered burning debris on to other bales and the fire quickly spread, creating a large amount of smoke that drifted towards the cinema and bowling complex.

"Fortunately, the heavens opened during the later hours and the rain helped to dampen surrounding paper bales, reducing a further risk of the fire spreading."

Between 500 and 600 bales were destroyed by the flames and fire-fighters spent most of yesterday dowsing the smouldering bales.

SCA Recycling bosses refused to comment on the incident.

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