Firefighters battling Cumbernauld recycling centre blaze for third day

Firefighters remain at the scene of a blaze at a recycling centre in North Lanarkshire for a third day.

Emergency services, including six fire engines, six ambulances, a trauma team and a resuscitation rapid response unit, were sent to Blairlinn Industrial Estate in Cumbernauld after a fire broke out around 2.30pm on Tuesday.

Six casualties, all men aged between 20 and 66, were taken to hospitals by the Scottish Ambulance Service for treatment.

Fire crews remained at the scene throughout Wednesday, and two appliances were still there at 6.30am on Thursday, dampening down the area.

Police Scotland said an investigation will be carried out in due course to establish the cause of the fire.

Footage showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky as the blaze engulfed a single-storey building. Eyewitnesses could smell fumes from the fire miles away.

Emergency services were sent to Blairlinn Industrial Estate in Cumbernauld after a fire broke out on Tuesday. STV News

The incident happened at Moock Environmental Solutions, a toner cartridge recycler which has operated in Cumbernauld for over 25 years.

The company said it was an “unprecedented incident”.

“Moock Environmental Solutions have been operating successfully for over 25 years in Cumbernauld,” a spokesperson said.

“Emergency services responded swiftly, and the situation is under control. Staff made it out safely and were treated at the scene. Some taken to hospital for further checks. We would like to thank everyone that responded, specifically to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service for their prompt assistance.

“We are a toner cartridge recycler who break down toner cartridges to their components metal, plastic and is further recycled with our granulated plastic being used in composite decking and the recovered toner powder is turned into pigment where it is sent to be mixed into concrete bricks.

“Our priority is the safety and well-being of all of those affected. We are cooperating fully with the authorities and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

“Thank you for your understanding at this difficult time.”