Fire crews tackle blaze at recycling plant
4,000 tonnes of scrap metal caught light at the site in East Tilbury
Last updated 9th Aug 2026
Around 40 firefighters have been working through the night to tackle a fire at a recycling centre in Essex.
Crews were called at 11:30pm last night (8 August) and found around 4,000 tonnes of scrap metal on fire at the site in Station Road, East Tilbury.
Firefighters have been working with site staff using diggers to pull apart the material.
Group Manager Scott Ford said: “Thanks to the site staff for their help throughout the night to pull the pile apart so we can extinguish the fire in sections. We’ve had a difficult water supply at the scene.
"We’re making steady progress to put the fire out and that is creating lots of smoke this morning.
“If you live nearby and are affected by the smoke, please close your windows and doors.”