FIREFIGHTERS spent five hours tackling a large blaze at a Dorset scrapyard at the weekend.

The fire at W&S Recycling, Candy’s Lane, Corfe Mullen, sent huge plumes of thick smoke drifting across the A31 after breaking out on Saturday morning.

At its height more than 60 firefighters from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and from neighbouring Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service attended the scene.

Fire engines had to access the site along narrow country lanes, which Dorset Police cordoned off throughout the morning.

Around 20 crews attended, and at one point smoke blew across the A31 raising safety concerns for motorists.

One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said he was awoken by the sirens before 6am.

“When we looked out there was this massive column of smoke curling into the sky,” he said. “Straight away we knew where the fire was because they’ve had them down there before.

“This looked like it was quite a big one though, and you can smell it from quite a way off as well.”

Another witness said: “You could see huge plumes of smoke for quite a distance.

“I’ve never seen so many fire engines in all my life.

“It must have really gone up.”

Workers at the scene declined to comment to the Echo, other than to confirm no-one had been injured in the drama.

Fire crews were first called to reports of a “well developed fire” at 5.30am. The fire had been brought under control by 10.30am.

Early on Saturday a DWFRS spokesman said: “The incident in Corfe Mullen is now a well-developed scrap metal fire and causing a large smoke plume drifting across A31 and Wimborne.

“Local residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed.

“Traffic delays in area.”

Just after 10am, the spokesperson said smoke was no longer a concern on the A31.

Crews were set to return to the site to try and establish exactly what had caused the blaze.