Investigation into latest Recycling Lives fire at Preston depot continues

Aerial view of the firefighters in action at Recycling Lives Pic: Lfrs drone

An investigation into what caused the fire incident at Recycling Lives is underway.

Six fire engines across Preston and surrounding areas attended the scene to extinguish the waste fire that bellowed clouds of smoke across Grimsargh, urging those living nearby to stay indoors, on Sunday 12 March.

This isn’t the first time a fire has been reported at the waste facility based in Longridge Road.

In April 2022, a large mass of vehicles involving around 200 tonnes of cars and metal caught on fire at Recycling Lives.

To get the situation under control, 10 fire crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene.

Addressing the recent fire, a spokesperson for Recycling Lives said: “We’d like to thank Lancashire Fire Service for its prompt and professional response to the incident at our Preston recycling plant.

“An investigation into what caused the fire is underway.

“Since this investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment further at this time.”

A number of reports were made to the Environment Agency about the smoke plume which came from the fire and covered nearby roads and housing estates.