KIDDERMINSTER residents will be able to see smoke from the fire at Lawrence Recycling for about a week, according to fire fighters.

About 40 fire fighters are still at the scene this morning tackling the blaze, which started at about 5.30pm yesterday at the Stourport Road site.

The cause of the fire is still unknown and an investigation is underway.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service area commander Jon Pryce said: “It is hundreds of tonnes of recycling materials. Ironically it is material that was due to be burned at a power plant to make electricity.

“It is different from last time because of the way the structure has been affected - there is an issue with stability and access.

“We are doing the best we can to reduce the smoke plume. The wet conditions are working well as they are lifting the smoke plume and dispersing it.

“There were about 100 fire fighters here last night, with 15 different appliances. There are still about 40 here now and residents will probably be able to see the smoke for a week.”

It is believed the fire started underneath the waste - which includes plastic and cardboard.

Mr Pryce added: “If anyone is worried they should keep their windows and doors shut but the wet conditions are helping.”