THOUSANDS of tonnes of burning tyres could continue to smoulder for weeks, fire chiefs said today.

Fire broke out in a pile of shredded tyres at the EnviroTyres recycling unit on Littleburn Industrial Estate, in Langley Moor, near Durham City, on the morning of Wednesday, April 21.

The spectacular blaze produced a plume of thick, black smoke which hung over the city and could be seen from as far afield as Morpeth and Teesside.

A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said today: "Firefighters are at the scene and the fire is under control, but it has become clear it will take some weeks to fully extinguish."

Over the next few days, leaflets will be distributed to all households and business near the fire advising them of the situation and answering some of the questions which have been raised by members of the public.

Copies will also be left in local libraries, leisure facilities, GP surgeries and council offices.

The spokesman added: "We believe it is important that residents are kept informed about the ongoing situation and we are doing our best to do that."

He said: "Experts from the Environment Agency and Health Protection Agency and Durham County Council are monitoring the air quality and as things stand there is no immediate danger to people's health.

"We want people to understand we are doing all we can to deal with this fire, which is a challenge for everyone involved."

An advice line has been set up to answer queries on 0191-370 6000.