Firefighters who extinguished a giant blaze at a recycling plant in Gateshead have been hailed for their “extreme and exceptional” efforts through remarkable dangers.
A massive fire raged for four days at Shee Recycling, in Birtley, last week and prompted the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) to declare a major incident.
Nearby roads and the East Coast Main Line had to be shut down and locals were urged to keep their doors and windows closed as huge plumes of black smoke billowed from the site, which was forced to close last September after being deemed a serious fire risk and is subject to an ongoing investigation by the Environment Agency.
