Rail services hit by recycling fire

Jan 22 2013

A fire at a recycling plant has caused disruption for commuters after rail services were delayed or cancelled as a result.

More than 80 firefighters worked through Monday night to stop the blaze at WRC Recycling in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, spreading to nearby homes.

Train timetables in the area were disrupted as Network Rail stopped services on the Glasgow to Ayr railway line next to the site.

Commuters were warned on the ScotRail website that the disruption is expected to continue, with advice to check for updates before travelling.

In addition, air traffic control officers were told to alert pilots flying in and out of Glasgow International Airport.

A team from Johnstone community fire station was first to arrive at the Floors Street building at 6pm on Monday and discovered a large quantity of recycling materials "well alight" in the site.

Residents from four nearby properties were evacuated by police but there were no injuries, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service said.

Support came from Paisley and Renfrew community fire stations before the arrival of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue's major incident command unit and crews from across Glasgow, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.

Six main water jets were used on different areas of the fire as it was "sectorised" to prevent the flames from spreading. The fire was reported by a number of people as the flames quickly spread, sending thick, black smoke into the sky.

The fire service and police force will hold an investigation into the cause of the fire.