Following two high profile fires at waste recycling plants recently, the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) is working together with the Environment Agency and the Wood & Tyre Recycling Association to review existing guidelines.
More than 200 firefighters were called to tackle a fire in Smethwick last month which caused over £6m worth of damage and was described as the largest fire ever seen in the West Midlands.
Another UK waste recycling site in Stockport, Greater Manchester saw a serious fire earlier this year, and highlighted the fact that fires at such places have the potential to burn for several days.
CFOA operations director Roy Wilsher said the two recent fires served as a stark reminder of the fire risk associated with waste recycling plants.
Mr Wilsher said: “In 2012 there were over 300 fires at such sites, many of which required a huge effort from the local fire and rescue service to contain the fire, which can burn for days or even weeks.”
The fire risks at waste recycling plants are increased as a result of the diverse range of waste materials stored and processed there.
Copyright Press Association 2013