Firefighters were called to the blaze off Spring Mill Walk in Smallbridge at 8.15pm and worked until around 1pm the following day. Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing above the area, visible for miles around.
Illegal waste site confirmed
Six fire engines were sent to the scene, with specialist equipment used to extinguish the fire. Crews worked throughout the night last Friday, July 24.
The Environment Agency became involved because the fire involved a large quantity of waste at the site. In an update issued this morning, August 1, the agency confirmed that the fire took place at an illegal waste site, and said the site is now under investigation.
Residents urged to keep windows closed
Residents in the surrounding area were urged to keep their windows and doors closed. Dramatic images showed the scale of the operation faced by firefighters last weekend.
