A fire broke out inside the Devonport Waste Facility today triggering a serious emergency response.
MVV Environment Devonport confirmed the blaze started in the plant’s waste reception bunker.
The cause of a fire was a marine flare recklessly thrown into household rubbish.
The facility's automated suppression systems activated immediately.
Flames were brought under control within moments, but thick smoke made it difficult for on-site staff to confirm the fire was fully extinguished.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was called in to inspect the scene and confirm the fire was out.
There were no injuries and no damage to the building.
Paul Carey, Managing Director of MVV Environment Devonport, issued a warning to the public about the dangers of careless disposal:
"We are sorry for any inconvenience or alarm caused to our local community.
"Such fires are rare but, our systems are designed to cope with them automatically.
"These fires can be caused by smouldering cigarettes, barbeques, flares or, often in current times, lithium-ion batteries contained in small devices such as disposable vapes, which when exposed to air upon tipping into our bunker can burst into flames.
"It is important that the public dispose of such items correctly and not put them in their residual waste bins."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden risks lurking in household waste and the importance of proper disposal of flammable materials.
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