Emergency services are still at the scene of a large fire at a scrapyard off Bearwood Road in Barkham this morning (Wednesday, June 18).
Several local residents shared images of the fire and a large plume of smoke. Some also reported hearing explosions around 2.30am on Wednesday morning.
Shortly after 3am, Thames Valley Police posted on social media, saying: “Emergency services are currently on the scene of a fire in the scrapyard in Highlands Avenue, Barkham.
“There is no risk to the public at this time, but nearby residents may be affected by smoke, so please keep your windows closed.”
Emergency services were still at the scene at 6am.
One resident who contacted Wokingham Today said: “When I first noticed the unusual noises, I thought someone is having a birthday firework, but dismissed the thought as it was 3am.
“Then, the first big explosion shook our building from such a disgrace. I thought we’re either in war or something exploded.
“Those explosions were no joke.”
“It was hard to sleep like that. Scary things happening, explosions and strangling smoke all over Woosehill.
“It was truly frightening.”
A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue told Wokingham Today: “At 2:25am on Wednesday, June 18, we received reports of a fire on Highlands Avenue in Barkham.
“Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Wokingham Road, Wokingham, Mortimer, Ascot, Crowthorne, Bracknell and Whitley Wood Fire Station were sent to the scene.
“They were joined at the scene by five officers, three water bowsers, two aerial ladder platforms, an incident command unit, and an operational support unit.
“This multi-agency incident involved the Environment Agency, Thames Valley Police and crews from Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire & Isle of Wight fire and rescue services.
“Upon arrival, crews discovered a large fire in a recycling centre.
“Firefighters have contained the fire but remain at the scene at this time, 10.40am on Wednesday morning.”
