A FIRE broke out on a waste lorry at a rubbish tip this morning.

Firefighters were called to the scene just after 9am at the household waste recycling site in Metcalf Way in Crawley.

The fire was ripping through the rear compartment of a lorry carrying waste, and people were urged to avoid the area while crews tackled the blaze.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “We were called at 9.12am to reports of a fire involving a vehicle at Crawley Household Waste Recycling Site in Metcalf Way.

“Joint Fire Control mobilised two fire engines from Crawley Fire Station to the scene, and upon arrival crews found a fire involving the rear compartment of an articulated lorry carrying waste.

“Residents were urged to keep their doors and windows closed while the fire was brought under control.

“The waste was removed from the lorry using a digger, and firefighters used two jets to extinguish the fire. They remained on scene and used a thermal imaging camera to ensure there were no further hotspots.

“Fortunately, there were no casualties as a result of this incident.

“The last crew left the scene at 10.41am.”