15,000-tonne tire fire visible from space

ERJ staff report (TP)

North Yorkshire, UK − Firefighters have been battling a "colossal" tire fire at a recycling plant in North Yorkshire, which they say could take weeks to clear, reported Mark Morris for ITN.

15,000 tonnes of tires went up in smoke yesterday (16 January), and the huge black plume in Sherburn in Elmet was visible from space.

More than 70 firefighters spent most of Thursday (16 January) at the plant.

Local residents and nearby schools were told to keep their doors and windows shut, but North Yorkshire Police confirmed schools would open as usual on Friday (17 January) morning.

Those concerned about the ash have been told by health officials that it is safe to clean off cars and windows.

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Full story and video from ITN