Fire crews remain at the scene of a large recycling centre fire in Llantrisant, where 1,500 tonnes of non-hazardous waste have been burning since early Thursday morning. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed as efforts to extinguish the blaze continue.
Fire Breaks Out in the Early Hours
Emergency services were called to Llantrisant Recycling Centre shortly after 2am on Thursday. The fire covers an area of 1,200 square metres, and crews from multiple stations were deployed, including eight pumping appliances, four water bowsers, one aerial ladder platform, and an environmental protection unit (EPU).
Currently, four appliances and a high-volume pump (HVP) remain at the scene, along with an incident command unit. Firefighters have been using two main jets to surround and reduce fire spread, while a drone unit provides enhanced situational awareness to identify hotspots.
Partner Agencies Collaborate
SWFRS is working closely with Natural Resources Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, South Wales Police, and Public Health Wales to ensure public safety and mitigate environmental impacts. Head of response, area manager Mike Wyatt, said: “I would like to thank our highly skilled crews for their courage and dedication. Their professionalism and commitment played a vital role in this operational response.”
Mr Wyatt added: “Co-operation was key to this incident. Our partners including Public Health Wales, Natural Resources Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf council, and South Wales Police all assisted us as we worked to bring the fire under control.”
Public Safety Advice
There is no immediate risk to life or surrounding properties, but SWFRS continues to advise residents to keep windows and doors shut if affected by smoke. The service anticipates that the incident will last well into the late evening, though good progress is being made.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated via local news and official channels.
