Firefighters tackle huge blaze at scrapyard near Royal Wootton Bassett (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Firefighters tackle huge blaze at scrapyard near Royal Wootton Bassett

3:40pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Royal Wootton Bassett

FIREFIGHTERS are battling huge flames and exploding fuel tanks in a fire at a scrapyard.

The alarm was raised at Swindon Metal Solutions Ltd at Broad Town, near Royal Wiootton Bassett, at 3.03pm and crews fromW estlea, Swindon, Marlborough, Cricklade, Calne, Devizes, Stratton and Malmesbury, supported by water carriers from Royal Wootton Bassett and Ramsbury, an incident command vehicle from Stratton and the aerial appliance from Swindon, are in attendance at the centre, which is based in Littleworth, Royal Wootton Bassett.

An aerial appliance is now at the scene, pouring water on the fire in an attempt to put it out.

Reporter Nigel Kerton said he is near Bushton and can feel the heat from the fire and hear exploding petrol tanks.

"There is an enormous plume of smoke and we can feel the heat coming across the fields. It is a huge fire," he said.

A local farmer, who asked to remamin anonymous, said it was the biggest fire he had ever seen.

He said: "It looks absolutely massive - I just pray no-one is hurt.

"Now and again you see little fires across the way but this one is clearly out of control.

"The fire service are doing the best they can but I think they will be here for a long time yet."

The fire has caused a significant plume of black smoke which is visible from as far away as Royal Wootton Bassett and Lydiard Millicent area. People in the affected area are advised to keep their doors and windows shut for the time being.

Wiltshire Police have currently closed the unclassified road between The Barton and Marlborough Road as well as the road from Broadtown to Royal Wootton Bassett.

Motorists are advised to find an alternative route.