FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a rubbish blaze that has been burning for five days at a landfill site.
The fire at Marks Quarry, in Pithouse Lane, Leamside, Durham, has created a plume of smoke visible for miles.
The tip has been closed and workmen are using excavators to move tonnes of rubbish to allow firefighters to get to the seat of the blaze.
Station Office Dave Turnbull, of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue, said: "These are among the most difficult types of fire to fight. To hit the hot spot you have to move the stuff around it out of the way. The fire is contained and it won't spread. It is below ground level in a trench. We are trying to bring a speedy end to it. Anything could have caused the fire and we are not treating it as suspicious. It is domestic waste, there are no chemicals.
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