Dozens of firefighters are battling a blaze at a landfill site near Calne.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the incident at the Hills Waste Solutions site in Compton Bassett around 5am today (27 April).
Local residents are being told to keep their windows and doors shut whilst the smoke plume – which can be seen for ten miles – continues to float across Wiltshire.
In a statement, the service said: “Fire crews were mobilised to the scene from Calne, Devizes (two), Chippenham (two), Melksham and Trowbridge along with the Environmental Protection Unit from Gillingham, two water carriers from Wilton and Pewsey and the Command Support Unit from Stratton (approx. 40 firefighters).
On arrival, crews found approximately 40,000 tonnes of low-grade clinical waste and general household waste involved in fire, as well as an additional 2,000 tonnes of tyre bales, and a significant smoke plume, heading towards the south of Calne.
“Firefighters are making good progress by working alongside the site contractors to smother the fire with soil.
“As of 9am this morning, the incident has been scaled back to three fire engines and one water carrier.
“Plans will be formulated as the morning progresses to fully extinguish the fire which is likely to continue into the later part of today.”
