Firefighters continue to monitor site of large compost blaze near Melton
Firefighters have continued to monitor the site of a large weekend compost fire in a field near Melton Mowbray.
Thick smoke drifted across the north of the town during and after the blaze, which took hold off Saxelby Road, near Grimston.
A crew from Melton fire station was deployed to the incident, which was first reported at 6.50pm on Saturday.
Leicestershire Fire Service sent out an urgent appeal on social media for nearby residents and those in the north of Melton to close windows and doors to prevent the smoke entering their homes.
A fire service spokesperson told the Melton Times on Monday: “Around 2,000 tonnes of compost, covering an area of 25m by 25m, was burning with some surrounding areas also catching alight.
"Re-inspections are ongoing with crews from Melton Mowbray Fire Station, ensuring the fire does not spread.
“It is expected a crew will return once a day for several more days to monitor.
"The cause is thought to be accidental.”