Fire Crews Tackle Tyre Blaze

A blazing pile of 3,000 tyres has released plumes of acrid black smoke into the air in Dorset. The fire began at a refuse and recycling centre in Dorchester, and is thought to have been sparked while debris and scrap metal were being cut up.

Eleven fire engines and more than a hundred firefighters, along with environmental health officers, were sent to the scene, and an area around the site in St Georges Road was cordoned off while fire crews battled the blaze. Their job was hampered by strong winds that kept on reigniting the fire.

Fortunately the blaze occurred in a non-residential location, although people living in the area were still advised to take precautions. “If anyone is affected by the smoke at all and they do think it is coming towards their house they should keep indoors and keep the windows and doors closed.” Said John Mullins from Dorset Fire and Rescue.