AROUND 40 firefighters are tackling a towering blaze at a wood recycling plant.

Fire chiefs have drafted in 11 fire tenders and aerial platforms to try and bring the inferno under control.

The blaze broke out around 6.30 am at Urban Forest Ltd in Newry’s Carnbane industrial estate.

The company recycles discarded wood into bedding material for animals.

Locals say thick smoke has been billowing from the plant across part the city all morning.