Residents evacuated after a major fire at an industrial site in Bracknell are now able to return home, firefighters have said.
Fifteen fire engines were called to the blaze at the Daler-Rowney site on Peacock Lane on Monday afternoon, with crews working through the night to bring the fire under control.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said there had been no casualties.
At the height of the incident, nearby residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut because of a large smoke plume, while some homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters said the smoke was no longer considered a risk and residents had been allowed to return to their properties.
Specialist appliances were used to tackle the blaze from height, with crews remaining at the scene on Tuesday to extinguish remaining hotspots.
The fire service said there was likely to be an emergency services presence in the area for the next 24 to 48 hours while the site was made safe.
An investigation into the cause of the fire will begin once it is safe to do so.
In a statement, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service thanked residents for their “patience, understanding and support” during what it described as an “unsettling experience”, particularly in the hot weather.
The full statement says: “Following the fire at the Daler-Rowney site yesterday (25 May), we would like to provide an update on the incident. At the height of the fire, we had 15 fire engines in attendance, alongside specialist appliances used to tackle the fire from height.
“Crews worked throughout the night to bring the fire under control and remain on scene to fully extinguish any remaining hotspots. Fortunately, there have been no casualties as a result of the incident. While the immediate firefighting response has now been scaled back, we recognise the significant impact this incident has had on the local community and those directly affected.
“During the early stages of the incident, residents in the surrounding area were advised to keep windows and doors closed, and a number of homes were evacuated as a precaution due to the potential health risk from the smoke plume.
“We want to reassure residents that the smoke plume is no longer visible and is no longer considered a risk, and windows and doors can now be opened. Residents who were evacuated are now able to return home, as the fire is under control and there is no ongoing risk from the smoke.
“Although the incident is under control, there is likely to be an emergency service presence in the area for the next 24 to 48 hours. During this time, crews will continue to make the scene safe, and an investigation into the cause of the fire will begin once it is safe to do so.
“We understand that this has been an unsettling experience for many, particularly given the hot weather, and we would like to sincerely thank the local community for their patience, understanding and support throughout. The safety of our residents remains our priority, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to support the local community.”
