Quick Read
- Emergency crews are battling a major fire at a recycling facility in Brighton’s Sheepcote Valley.
- Residents are under an urgent advisory to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke.
- Fire officials confirm no injuries have been reported, and operations are expected to continue for several hours.
BRIGHTON (Azat TV) – Emergency crews are currently battling a large-scale fire at a recycling facility in the Sheepcote Valley area of Brighton, resulting in a thick plume of black smoke that has prompted authorities to issue urgent health warnings for nearby residents. The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) confirmed the incident began shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Public Safety Measures Amid Heavy Smoke
The fire, which reportedly involves a large quantity of plastic wheelie bins at a site managed by Veolia Environmental Services off Wilson Avenue, has generated significant public concern. ESFRS received more than 25 emergency calls within the first hour of the blaze. In response, officials have instructed those living in the immediate vicinity to keep all windows and doors closed to minimize exposure to the smoke, which is visible across the city’s skyline.
Firefighting Operations and Containment Efforts
As of 1:30 p.m., three fire engines were deployed to the scene. Firefighters are utilizing two main jets, specialized firefighting foam, and breathing apparatus to contain the blaze and prevent further spread. The service has confirmed that there are currently no reports of injuries among staff or the public. While crews are expected to remain on-site for several hours to conduct dampening operations, the exact cause of the ignition remains under investigation.
Historical Context and Environmental Risks
The incident marks a recurring concern for the region, as this is not the first time a recycling center in Brighton has faced such a challenge. In September of last year, another facility in the area was set alight after a lithium-ion battery caught fire, highlighting the ongoing volatility of waste processing sites. Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid the Sheepcote Valley area to allow emergency vehicles unimpeded access to the site.
The repeated nature of fires at local waste management facilities underscores the critical need for stricter safety protocols regarding the storage of flammable materials, particularly as the city grapples with the immediate environmental impact of today’s thick smoke plume.