Firefighters tackle huge blaze at a Wiltshire recycling plant after mountain of rubbish caught fire
An investigation is underway after a major fire erupted at a recycling centre in Wiltshire last night, setting ablaze to up to 300 tonnes of rubbish.
Dozens of firefighters were sent to tackle the flames after being called to the scene in the village of Stert, near Devizes, shortly before midnight.
Fire crews remained at the incident this morning as they continued to battle the blaze, which is now said to be under control.
Nearby residents have been told to close their windows due to the volume of smoke in the area, which will continue over the next few days.
A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: 'The recycling centre fire in Stert, Devizes is now under control and retained.
'We will be on scene for a number of days maintaining a watching brief and smoke will continue to affect the area so we are still advising local residents to keep doors and windows closed.'
Dozens of firefighters were sent to tackle the flames after being called to the scene near Devizes, Wiltshire, shortly before midnight (Pictured: Recycling centre in Stert, Wiltshire, up in flames late on Wednesday evening)
Nearby residents have been told to close their windows due to the volume of smoke that in the area
Fire crews remained at the incident this morning as they continued to battle the blaze which appears to have engulfed tonnes of waste at the centre
The facility in Monument Road consists of approximately 200-300 tonnes of residual waste that was destined for a Waste to Energy facility in Aylesbury
It said in an earlier statement: 'The first crews in attendance found some 200-300 tonnes of residual waste well alight and used two main jets to prevent escalation of the fire.
'On site staff assisted using loading shovel machinery to create fire breaks in the pile of waste, working with firefighters to help contain the blaze.
'As of 6am today the incident has been scaled back to one fire engine and one water carrier and we will remain on scene for a number of days to provide a watching brief.'
Group Manager Richard Coleman added: '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 days we will update the public with any concerns regarding the smoke should they arise.'
The fire service said the blaze is under investigation but is believed to have started accidentally, although 'the exact cause may never be established.'
Crews from Calne, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett and Trowbridge were in attendance in the early hours of the morning
The fire service said the blaze is under investigation but is believed to have started accidentally, although 'the exact cause may never be established'
Crews from Calne, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett and Trowbridge had been in attendance in the early hours of this morning, while ash and scorched paper from the recycling centre were seen falling onto the surrounding fields.
Paul Mortimer, from Grist Environmental, the company which manages the site, confirmed that nobody had been injured and no property had been damaged.
He said the fire was contained on a concrete floor with concrete walls and surrounded by a soil bund on two sides, which had prevented it from spreading.
The facility in Monument Road consists of approximately 200-300 tonnes of residual waste that was destined for a Waste to Energy facility in Aylesbury.
Mr Mortimer said: 'The fire was observed by a company patrol on Wednesday at around 23:00 GMT.
'Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service were immediately notified and were very quickly in attendance to ensure that the fire was under control and not presenting any danger to people and property.
'The cause of the fire has not yet been established.'
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