Firefighters are investigating the cause of a large fire that broke out at a landfill site on Pools Road in Wilburton, near Witchford, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday evening. Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service received the initial call shortly before 6pm and responded with a significant deployment of resources.
Four fire engines, alongside two water carriers and a command unit, initially attended the scene. Crews from Suffolk also provided support, and additional fire engines from Cambridgeshire rotated in throughout the evening to relieve those tackling the blaze. The fire service utilised water jets and constructed two water dams to effectively combat the flames.
While the fire is now under control, a spokesperson confirmed that crews are returning throughout the day for continuous monitoring and reinspection of the site. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties.
The primary concern now centres on the smoke plume generated by the fire. Residents in Witchford and those living in the direction of Ely received a direct advisory from the fire service to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution. This advice is designed to minimise potential health impacts from smoke inhalation.
“We advised residents to keep their windows and doors closed as a preventative measure due to the smoke travelling towards Ely,” said a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service. “Crews will be returning throughout the day for reinspection and to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.”
A thorough fire investigation will now commence to determine the likely cause of the blaze. The findings of this investigation will be crucial in preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. Residents are assured that authorities are taking the situation seriously and working to resolve the matter quickly and safely. Further updates will be issued as the investigation progresses.
