Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Chloe Coleman

Firefighters battle blaze at Maitland tip

Fire at Mount Vincent Road Waste Management Facility, East Maitland

Firefighters are battling a blaze at Mount Vincent Road Waste Management Centre, East Maitland this morning.

Six NSW Rural Fire Service crews and one Fire and Rescue NSW crew attended the waste management centre just before 6am on Monday, September 12, responding to alerts of smoke in the vicinity.

RFS media and communications manager Inspector Ben Shepherd said the crews found a 30x30 metre pile of rubbish alight.

The Mount Vincent Road tip fire at about 5.30am on Monday, September 12, taken by resident Rachel Smith. Picture supplied.

The fire is contained to the waste management facility and Insp Shepherd said there is no threat to surrounding properties.

Smoke is impacting the Ashtonfield area and NSW RFS advises residents to keep their windows and doors closed.

"We don't advise hanging out your washing and if you have health issues please stay indoors until further notice," NSW RFS Lower Hunter said in a Facebook post.

Insp Shepherd said fire crews are expected to be on the scene for a number of hours, as they break up the rubbish pile into smaller pieces and work at extinguishing it.

A bulk water carrier attended the scene.

Smoke at Mount Vincent Waste Management Centre on Monday, September 12. Picture by Maitland City Council.

Maitland City Council has announced the waste management centre will be closed until the NSW RFS confirms it can be reopened.

Council staff are on site with RFS crews to help get the fire under control, and reports have been made to the Environmental Protection Agency and SafeWork NSW.

Maitland City Council's manager environment and sustainability Catherine Pepper said the cause of the fire has not been confirmed and investigations are underway.

In other news:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.