Firefighters tackle Hitchin scrapyard blaze

More than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze, where about 300 tonnes of metal waste was on fire

Herts Fire & Rescue Hitchin scrapyard fire — More than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze, where about 300 tonnes of metal waste was on fire

A large fire has broken out at a scrapyard in Hertfordshire.

About 35 firefighters tackled the blaze after being called to Wallace Way in Hitchin at about 05:30 GMT.

The fire service said the yard contained a large amount of metal recycling. At its height eight engines and an aerial ladder platform were used to help extinguish the blaze.

Six fire engines remain at the scene and residents are still being asked to keep doors and windows closed.

Hertfordshire chief fire officer Darryl Keen said: "The smoke plume has been affecting the Ickleford area and we've asked residents to remain indoors if they can whilst the fire is tackled."

Residents near the Walsworth Industrial estate are being urged to keep their windows and doors shut

He added the service is working with Public Health England and does not believe there is a significant risk to health.

Wallace Way has been closed but the nearby railway line is unaffected.

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