Photos show a "significant fire" overwhelm waste collection lorries at Crookhill Depot and blow thick black smoke across Weymouth.
Firefighters were called to the Dorset Council depot on Chickerell Road, Chickerell after receiving more than 50 999 calls from residents after 2pm on Sunday, November 15.
A number of explosions were heard as firefighters from across Dorset raced to the scene to control the huge blaze.
Photos and videos circulating on social media show a number of refuse lorries alight and severely damaged by a fire.
The video above, shared by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, shows the large blaze ripping through several refuse lorries.
Police officers also shut Chickerell Road to allow emergency services arrive at the scene and prevent motorists from travelling towards the dangerous fire.
As of 4pm, 90 firefighters were at the scene tackling the blaze and crews "are working hard to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to buildings on site."
Dorset Echo reporter, Michael Taylor, said he saw the smoke blowing into the air from his home at around 2.30pm before he headed to the scene.
He said: “I could just about smell the smoke in the area but it got progressively stronger while I was there (on Chickerell Road). A police officer was only letting residents within the road closure get to their homes.
“I heard a number of sporadic popping sounds but did not know what they were.
“All of a sudden, there was a loud bang which shocked people and motorists. I now understand this could have been caused by one of the vehicles.
“There were around three or four of these loud bangs. Each one seemed to come out of nowhere and made me jump.
“At least seven fire engines, including some from Sherborne and Beaminster, travelled up Hampshire Road towards the scene, including an incident support unit truck and other fire vehicles.
“I just hope no one is hurt or seriously injured because of this.”
A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "There are currently 15 fire crews in attendance – from Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, Dorchester, Wareham, Charmouth, Poole, Beaminster, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Swanage, Blandford and Hamworthy – together with aerial ladder platforms from Weymouth and Westbourne, water carriers from Poole and Yeovil, and support appliances from Poole, Hamworthy and Gillingham.
Fire @DorsetCouncilUK Crookhill Depot, Chickerell, #Weymouth now under control. But there has been significant damage. No reported injuries so far, but please remain vigilant and follow @HealthyDorset advice. Thanks also to @EnvAgency @dorsetpolice @DSFireUpdates CFO🚒👍 pic.twitter.com/EtbTIaGSsU
— Dorset&Wiltshire FRS (@DWFireRescue) November 15, 2020
"Water supply is an issue, so the high volume pump from Christchurch has also been deployed.
"Local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution while smoke continues to rise from the site.
"The cause of the fire will be investigated once it is safe to do so."
Did you see what happened? Do you live in the area or were affected by the fire? Got a Dorset story you would like to share or for me to investigate? Contact me at 01305 830999 or email michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk.
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