TEN TONNES OF RUBBISH ALIGHT TACKLED BY FIREFIGHTERS
‘DUMPING GROUND’ BLAZE TACKLED BY 70 FIREFIGHTERS WHILE RESIDENTS WATCH ON
AROUND 70 firefighters tackled a huge fire in which 10 tonnes of rubbish caught light in Hayes on Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Ten fire engines were sent to the row of garages in Balmoral Drive where the blaze took hold and the fire was under control by 1.30am.
A crowd of onlookers could be seen watching outside their homes as the smoke billowed into the sky above a row of houses.
On Sunday morning, many took to social media to comment on the incident, including sharing their experiences, criticising the council for not dealing with the rubbish “dumped” there and wishing those involved well.
One said: “That’s what we might of smelt last night,” tagging a friend, while another commented: “I live round the corner. The smoke was unbearable.”
Many commented “hope all are okay” and “sending prayers”.
Another criticised the locals, saying many people used the area as a ‘dumping ground’.
One wrote: “Police told people to close all windows, doors and to stay inside, so what do people do? Stand outside and film it.”
Late on Saturday night, The London Fire Brigade Twitter account posted: “Firefighters are working hard to bring the garages and rubbish blaze in Hayes under control.
“There’s no reports of any injuries at this stage.”
Another tweet added: “While we tackle the Hayes garages blaze we’d ask local residents to remain indoors with their windows and doors closed. Ten tonnes of rubbish and a caravan are also alight.”
A few made jokes about getting rid of the rubbish, such as: “Ten tonnes of rubbish? I guess that’s one way of getting rid of it.”
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.