A RUBBISH tip will remain closed after a fire broke out in a household waste lorry.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at the Household Waste Recycling Site in Fairbridge Road, Burgess Hill this morning.

Residents in the area have been warned to keep their doors and windows closed.

A bin lorry was found “well alight” at 5.46am, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said.

Pictures from the scene show firefighters using breathing masks, hose reels, a jet and a hydrant to put out the flames.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “Joint Fire Control was alerted to a fire involving a heavy goods vehicle at Burgess Hill Household Waste Recycling Site at 5.46am this morning.

“Crews from Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath Fire Station were mobilised to the scene, and upon arrival at the site on Fairbridge Way found the vehicle well alight.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus removed the waste from the vehicle and brought the fire under control using three hose reels, one jet and a hydrant.

“Due to the direction of the wind this morning, residents living in the town were urged to keep their doors and windows closed until this fire was extinguished due to the high volume of smoke.

“Quick action from Viridor staff on site when the fire broke out to move the vehicle away from the building helped prevent the spread of fire any further.

“Between 15 and 20 tonnes of waste was involved in the fire, which was extinguished swiftly, with the last crew leaving the scene at 8.05am.

“Officers returned at 10am to reinspect the scene and found no signs of reignition and the incident was closed.”