Fire breaks out at Compton Bassett landfill site

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Hills Waste in Compton Bassett at 05:05 BST on Wednesday

Residents are being warned to keep their windows and doors closed after a large fire broke out at a landfill site in Wiltshire.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Hills Waste in Compton Bassett at 05:05 BST on Wednesday.

It is believed 40,000 tonnes of waste is alight, sending plumes of smoke towards Calne.

Hills Waste said nobody had been injured in the fire.

It is believed 40,000 tonnes of waste is alight

A spokeswoman for Hills Waste said a member of staff had raised the alarm at 05:00 BST, and the fire services were called, with the site emergency plan initiated.

"The incident is ongoing and emergency services remain in attendance. The landfill site has been temporarily closed, but all other operations on site are open," she added.

Six fire crews were initially called out, along with an environmental protection unit.

After 09:00 BST the team was scaled back to three fire engines and one water carrier.

A spokeswoman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said work at the site is likely to continue into the later part of Wednesday.

Six crews from across Wiltshire were sent to tackle the fire

The spokeswoman for Hills Waste added: "We are working with the fire and rescue service, and other agencies, to help bring the fire under control. There has been no personal injury or damage to property as a result of the fire.

"The advice from the fire and rescue service is for residents to keep windows and doors closed during the incident."

The fire has sent plumes of smoke towards Calne