Rotterdam recycling plant fire brought under control

A fire at a recycling plant near the port of Rotterdam was brought under control early Saturday after an all-night operation, regional authorities said.

The fire began Friday night and sent thick, foul-smelling smoke across the area, prompting residents to stay indoors, close windows and doors and switch off ventilation systems.

The Rotterdam-Rijnmond public safety information service said fire units, a port fireboat and a drone were used in the response. It said flames engulfed an estimated 50 to 100 tonnes of household and commercial waste.

Traffic was cut on several key roads and through the Maastunnel linking the Dutch city's northern and southern districts. Authorities said those restrictions were gradually being lifted after the blaze was brought under control, and residents' smoke warnings had been lifted by Saturday morning.

Firefighters remained at the site to extinguish residual hotspots and separate debris.