Firefighters tackle large blaze at landfill site

Firefighters are tackling a large blaze currently burning at a landfill site in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said on Sunday evening that it was attending the incident at Appleford Sidings, in Sutton Courtenay, near Didcot.

Sutton Courtenay Landfill Site is operated by the firm FCC Environment, which has been contacted for a comment.

The fire service said the blaze had caused a large smoke plume to develop in the area, and advised people nearby to go indoors and close any windows and doors.

It also advised locals to consider turning off any air-conditioning units.

Residents near the blaze reported on social media that the fire had led to an unpleasant smell in the area.

Some also reported seeing the large dark plume from the blaze from across south Oxfordshire.

Also posting on social media, Didcot councillor Ian Snowdon said: "Please avoid the area and keep clear of emergency services while they deal with the incident."

The landfill site is near to Didcot Power Station, which is owned and operated by the German energy firm RWE.

The BBC has contacted RWE for a comment, as well as Oxfordshire County Council and Vale of White Horse District Council.