What We Know About the Major Fire at Barrow Recycling Site
Around 60 firefighters were called to tackle a major fire at a recycling centre on the outskirts of Barrow.
The blaze broke out at Sinkfall Skip Hire and Recycling on Rakesmoor Lane during the evening of Friday, July 31. Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service received the call at approximately 9.40pm.
Ten fire engines were involved at the height of the incident, alongside specialist equipment. Crews worked through the night to contain the fire and remained at the site the following day.
No injuries were reported.
UPDATE: Police are now treating fire as suspicious.
Fire Service Called at Around 9.40pm
Large flames and a thick plume of smoke could be seen above the recycling site after the fire began.
The scale and location of the blaze led to a significant emergency response. Approximately 60 firefighters were deployed, with resources arriving from stations across the area.
The operation included:
- Ten fire engines
- Two water bowsers
- A turntable ladder
- Around 60 firefighters
Water bowsers can transport large amounts of water to incidents where crews need an additional or reliable supply. The turntable ladder allowed firefighters to direct water onto the blaze from an elevated position.
Crews Worked Through the Night
Firefighters continued tackling the flames overnight and into Saturday.
Incidents involving large amounts of waste and recycling material can take a considerable time to extinguish. Fire may spread deep inside piles of material, leaving hotspots that can continue burning or reignite.
Crews therefore needed to bring the main fire under control before damping down the site and checking the affected material.
The number of resources at the scene was gradually reduced as the situation improved. However, firefighters continued monitoring the site after the main blaze had been contained.
Park Road Closed During Emergency Response
Park Road was closed between the Abbey Road roundabout and the Dalton bypass while the firefighting operation continued.
The closure helped emergency vehicles reach the site and allowed crews to work safely. It also kept motorists away from smoke and other possible hazards near the incident.
Drivers were asked to avoid the area and use alternative routes. The road was expected to remain affected for much of Saturday while the emergency response continued.
Residents Warned About Smoke
The fire produced a large plume of smoke that could be seen from different parts of Barrow and the surrounding area.
People living nearby were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution. Residents were also asked to avoid the scene and not attempt to enter closed or cordoned-off areas.
Smoke from burning waste can contain particles and gases that irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Anyone directly affected by smoke should move away from it and seek medical advice if they experience breathing difficulties or other concerning symptoms.
What Is Known About the Location?
The fire happened at Sinkfall Skip Hire and Recycling, a waste-transfer and recycling business based at Sinkfall Farm on Rakesmoor Lane.
The site receives and processes different forms of waste and recyclable material. The presence of large volumes of closely stored material can make fires at these facilities difficult to bring fully under control.
Firefighters may need to separate or move waste to reach hidden hotspots. This can extend the operation long after visible flames have been extinguished.
Was Anyone Injured?
No injuries were reported following the blaze.
Despite the size of the fire and the number of crews required, there were no confirmed casualties. There were also no reports of nearby homes being evacuated.
The large emergency response helped contain the incident and prevent the fire from spreading beyond the recycling site.
What Caused the Fire?
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has said the fire is believed to have started accidentally.
However, officials have not publicly confirmed exactly how it began or which material first caught fire. An accidental classification means there is no current indication that the blaze was started deliberately, but it does not identify the specific source of ignition.
Any detailed examination would need to consider the condition of the site and the materials involved once the area was safe to inspect.
What Happens Next?
Crews may continue visiting or monitoring the recycling centre until they are satisfied that there is no remaining risk of the fire reigniting.
The full extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed. It is also unclear when normal work at the site will resume.
Further enquiries may consider how the fire began, how it spread and whether any additional safety measures are required.
