On the 23rd May 2025 Rushden people awoke to look out of the window and see a huge plume of thick black puthering smoke!

The huge plume seen from a mile away.

It was found to be at a recycling centre and warehouse for plastics where it was being crushed and flattened before being transported for re-use.

The yard was on the Sanders Lodge Trading Estate, and engines from neighbouring counties as well as local were brought in. Water and foam were having little effect.

The smoke was visible from upto 20 miles away. It burned relentlessly until mid afternoon when the smoke began to turn grey, and was finally under full control.

The fire brigade will remain at the site for the next few days.