Paper lantern starts UK recycling plant fire consuming 100,000 tons of plastic

Published December 10, 2015

July 1, 2013 - Smoke rises over the skyline of Birmingham England following a fire at a plastics recycling plant Monday . (AP)

A very large fire started by a paper lantern has consumed more than 100,000 tons of plastic materials at a recycling facility in central England.

Fire services said Monday more than 200 firefighters fought the blaze near the city of Birmingham.

Officials said in a statement that a paper lantern was spotted on CCTV floating into the site before starting a fire among plastic bales.

Fire services said the smoke plume made by the fire was rising up to 6,000 feet and may affect air travel. Birmingham International Airport spokesman David Lavender said officials did not anticipate any disruption to flights.

Officials said 11 firefighters were treated for various injuries. There were no reported injuries to the public.

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/paper-lantern-starts-uk-recycling-plant-fire-consuming-100000-tons-of-plastic