Crews from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue have been praised for their "quick and professional response" in dealing with the fire at Cadwell Lane in Hitchin on Saturday (July 20).

Six fire engines and ambulance services were called to the fire at the recycling centre on Saturday afternoon.

Calls for the incident were first received at 4.10pm and crews stayed throughout the night to damp down and extinguish the fire.

Residents were told to keep their windows shut due to the smoke.

Saturday's fire follows similar incidents in December and February.

Following the incident Cllr Morris Bright, Hertfordshire County Council executive member of public health and communi9ty safety, released a statement thanking emergency services.

"As a council we take the health and safety of our residents very seriously and we understand that another fire in this location will have been distressing and frustrating to the neighbouring community," he said.

"We recognise and share public concern and would like to thank those who quickly contacted us for help.

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"I'd like to praise crews from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service for their quick and professional response to this incident, they have yet again shown the impoirtant role that our crews play in keeping our communities safe.

"Their swift action, and collaboration with neighbouring fire services and the Environment Agency will have been vital to preventing a more serious event."