A third fire in the last eight months broke out at Nationwide Metal Centre's scrapyard in Hitchin yesterday (Saturday, July 20).

This was the scene that greeted firefighters at the scene.This was the scene that greeted firefighters at the scene. (Image: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Six fire engines were sent to the scene shortly after 4pm, along with an aerial ladder platform and a water bowser.

The scene after firefighters helped extinguish the flames.The scene after firefighters helped extinguish the flames. (Image: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Firefighters from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service brought the blaze under control, and remained at the scene into the night to damp down and extinguish remaining smouldering fires.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the fire.Smoke could be seen billowing from the fire. (Image: Dave W)

A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed that nobody was injured as a result of the fire.

Firefighters were first called to the scene at 4.10pm.Firefighters were first called to the scene at 4.10pm. (Image: Katie Corbett)

It is the third fire at the Nationwide Metal Centre in the last eight months. Previous fires broke out in December last year and February this year, with the latter caused by "lithium batteries" according to Cllr Ian Albert, who represents Hitchin Bearton ward on North Herts Council and Hitchin North on Hertfordshire County Council.

Six fire engines were sent to the scene.Six fire engines were sent to the scene. (Image: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

After the fire in February this year, Cllr Albert, along with fellow Hitchin Bearton councillors Dave Winstanley and Val Bryant, called for an "urgent review" of the scrapyard.

Video credit: Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service

Alistair Strathern, Hitchin's MP, told the Comet yesterday that he will be "speaking with our local councillors and Herts Fire and Rescue Service for more details on the incident, and to push for action to reduce the risk of further fires like this in the future".

Smoke could be seen even at some distance from the fire.Smoke could be seen even at some distance from the fire. (Image: Shaun Ozzy Hailey)

The county council has two contracts with Nationwide Metal Recycling Limited, including for the "treatment of scrap metals and lead acid batteries".

Video credit: Graham Mack

The council said in May that they were "confident that the organisation is reputable and compliant with all relevant legislative requirements for the services they provide for us".

Hitchin's MP and Cllr Ian Albert released statements as firefighters tackled the blaze.Hitchin's MP and Cllr Ian Albert released statements as firefighters tackled the blaze. (Image: Emma Lawrence)

Nationwide Metal Recycling Limited could not be reached for comment yesterday.