Compton Bassett landfill fire: Wiltshire Residents urged to close doors and windows

Crews from across the country have been drafted in to tackle the blaze in Wiltshire Credit: Stratton Saint Margaret Fire Station

A serious fire has broken out at a landfill site in Wiltshire, prompting warnings for people nearby to close their doors and windows.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is working to tackle the blaze, which started at around 5.30am this morning (Wednesday 27 April).

Around 40 firefighters have been called to the scene, including crews from Devizes, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.

Update

More than 40,000 tonnes of waste on fire at landfill site

A spokesperson for the service said crews arrived to find 40,000 tonnes of low-grade clinical waste and general household waste on fire, as well as an additional 2,000 tonnes of tyre bales.

They said the smoke plume is heading towards Calne.

As of 9am this morning, the incident was scaled back to three fire engines and one water carrier.

Group Manager Karen Adams said: "We are advising local residents to keep doors and windows closed due to the smoke in the area.

"As this fire will be ongoing for a number of hours we will update the public with any concerns regarding the smoke should they arise.”