Firefighters tackle the dramatic blaze at a Daventry scrapyard on Monday night. Photo: Northants Fire & Rescue ServiceFirefighters tackle the dramatic blaze at a Daventry scrapyard on Monday night. Photo: Northants Fire & Rescue Service
Firefighters tackle the dramatic blaze at a Daventry scrapyard on Monday night. Photo: Northants Fire & Rescue Service

Police rule out arson as possible cause of massive blaze in Daventry scrapyard

Smoke from Monday night's fire in Daventry could be seen from up to 30 miles away

Investigators have ruled out arson as a cause of Monday night's huge fire at a Northamptonshire scrapyard.

Up to 40 firefighters spent three hours tackling the blaze at the Intapart Automotive Recycling site on London Road in Daventry after receiving 18 calls to 999 from locals just before 8pm.

Seven fire engines and two water carriers were used to bring the fire involving 40 vehicles under control, with support from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The A45 was shut between Weedon and Daventry until shortly before midnight and local residents were advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed while fire fighters tackled the blaze.

Smoke from the fire blew across countryside around the town and could be seen up to 30 miles away in Leicestershire.

Crews were able to deploy ultra-high pressure hoses which allowed them to create an effective fire break with the rest of the stored vehicles on the site. Firefighters also used hose lines and were able to extinguish the blaze fully within three hours.

Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Group Commander Barry Mullan, said: “I would like to thank all of the crews on scene last night who dealt with this fire in an exceptionally efficient and professional manner and contained the fire to one area of the storage compound.

“I would also like to thank our colleagues at Northamptonshire Police who quickly deployed to the scene to close the A45 and engage with members of the public so we could concentrate our efforts completely on the job at hand.”