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Fire burning at recycling site in east Belfast

Ross McKee,
Hayley Halpinand
Michael Fitzpatrick,BBC News NI
News imagePacemaker A large fire with a plume of black smoke rising from it is visible at Belfast Harbour. Part of the sea is visible in front of the fire, with a small boat docked to the right of the image. There is a blue sky, with some clouds, above. Pacemaker
The fire is at the Clearway metal recycling business in East Twin Road

Firefighters are working to extinguish a blaze at a recycling site in east Belfast.

Flames and plumes of black smoke could be seen emerging from the area in the city's Titanic Quarter on Sunday afternoon.

The fire is at the Clearway metal recycling business in East Twin Road, according to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).

Police and the fire service are advising motorists to avoid the East Twin Road area and to keep windows and doors shut.

A police cordon is in place at the Airport Road entrance to the harbour estate. Fire crews are still making their way to the scene along the Queen's Road.

Queen's Road has been closed to traffic and pedestrians.

Police said people should seek an alternative route for their journey.

News imageYellow, blue and white police vehicle at the scene of a fire in Belfast which is at East twin Road. There is black smoke and a brown brick building in the distance.
Police and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are attending the incident

The NIFRS said it is working to extinguish a "large quantity of scrap metal", approximately 50m by 50m, at the recycling site.

A total of nine pumping appliances, an aerial appliance, high volume pump and 60 firefighters are engaged in the firefighting operations.

Crews are using the high volume pump to spray water to the fire.

The NIFRS said there have been no reported injuries and all people are accounted for.

"Operations will continue for some time," it said.

News imageBlack smoke in the distance, viewed from Belfast City Airport.
Plumes of black smoke could be viewed from Belfast City Airport

A spokesperson for Belfast Harbour Police said they are working with the police, fire service and Clearway following the outbreak of the fire in the Harbour Estate.

"We would advise local residents in the surrounding area to keep windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure and for people to avoid the area," they added.