THE fire service is warning people there could be an unpleasant smell after a large fire at a recycling site. 

An inferno broke out at about 6pm yesterday evening at the Viridor Household Waste Recycling Site in Stane Street, Westhampnett, Chichester.

Crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue (WSFR) were still dealing with the fire this morning, more than 14 hours after the blaze was first reported.

The Argus:

A large cloud of smoke was seen billowing into the air and spreading through the sky as crews battled the flames.

Shortly after 11.30am a spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was now "much reduced in size" with "a small amount of smoke visible in the near area".

The Argus:

He said: "We were called to a fire at the Westhampnett Household Waste and Recycling Site in Chichester at 6pm on Monday evening.

“Joint Fire Control sent four fire engines in response to the original 999 call, with two from Chichester Fire Station, one from Bognor and one from Selsey attending.

“The two crews from Chichester Fire Station were first on the scene and found about 200 tonnes of general household waste alight.

"Firefighters worked quickly to stabilise the fire and managed to save a number of nearby lorries and items of heavy plant from fire.

The Argus:

“The fire and rescue service has been supported by West Sussex County Council waste services and the resilience and emergencies team.

“Crews remained at the site throughout the night, with a relief crew taking over earlier this morning at the site.

"They have been spreading the fire across the concrete yard so it burns away quicker.

“The fire is now much reduced in size with a small amount of smoke visible in the near area.

The Argus:

"This may cause a smell locally but presents no risk to health.

"But we advise residents to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid any smell or inconvenience.

“The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this stage.”