A huge blaze at a waste site has sparked a ‘controlled burn’ strategy after a fire caused huge disruption to locals.
The towering fire forced roads to be closed and bin collections to be cancelled.
Residents in the area have been forced to shut their windows to avoid the huge blaze.
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The devastating fire has engulfed the entirety of the Elstow Waste Transfer Site.
The towering smoke plumes are being monitored by the Fire Service and the UK Health Security Agency.
Firefighters who attended the scene have remained on site throughout the weekend to keep the fire at bay.
Drivers were advised to avoid the area, and the A6 between Wixams and the A421 was closed from 5 to 6 July.
Emergency services initially attended the waste site on Friday (4 Jul) at about 9 pm.
The collection of green waste bins has also been suspended by Bedford Borough Council, as reported by Need ToK now.
The routine service has been cancelled for the next two weeks due to the fire putting the site out of action.
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue stated: “Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service remains in attendance at the ongoing fire at Elstow Waste Transfer Site, which began shortly before 9 pm on Friday, 4 July.
“The fire continues to burn in a controlled way.
“Crews are expected to remain on-site.
“Multi-agency work continues on site as the incident prepares to move into the next phase of actively clearing refuse whilst keeping safety at the forefront of those working on site.
“Those in the vicinity of Elstow and Wixams are advised to continue to keep their windows and doors closed.”
Nicola Gribble, councillor and portfolio holder for environment, stated: “We regret the disruption caused by the fire at the Elstow Transfer Station and are working tirelessly to minimise the impact on our residents.
“Suspending green waste collections was a difficult but necessary decision to prioritise essential waste services and public safety.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding and encourage residents to use the Barkers Lane HWRC if they need to dispose of green waste during this period.”
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