Fire crews on scene of scrap blaze at Sutton Bridge port

Crews are currently battling a fire at a village port which can be seen from miles away.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue teams were called at 3.08pm to reports of a scrap metal fire close to the port in Sutton Bridge.

Crews from the village and Spalding are on the scene, with a water carrier and aerial ladder platform en-route.

The Lynn News has been told that flames can be seen from as far away as Wisbech in Cambridgeshire. Crews have reported that they believe approximately 1700 tonnes of scrap is on fire.

One resident who has lived in Sutton Bridge for more than 30 years has described the fire as a “catastrophe waiting to happen”.

He reported large amounts of smoke throughout the village – and said the blaze may prove to be a “blessing in disguise” so action is taken to improve safety at the site.

“It really is sad to see,” he added.

“Think about the smell. Without this fire, people don’t think about it.”

Another resident, who lives near the port, said the smell of the fire has drifted into the village.

She said: "It smells like oil, grease and plastic. It is choking and horrendous. There is no wind so it is coming into the village.”

Julie Smart, who lives in Grimston and works in Sutton Bridge, was driving home along Bridge Road when she saw the “huge” fire.

She said that the “horrendous” smoke was covering the village and smelled “awful”, like “burning rubber tyres or oil”.

“I hope they have it under control now,” she added.