'Please avoid the area if you can' - Hartlepool firefighters tackle large blaze at Seaton Carew landfill site

The incident at Seaton Meadows is believed to have started at just after 8am.

Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed that four appliances have attended the scene.

A spokesperson added: “Cleveland Fire Brigade were called on 23/01/24 at 08.04 to an incident on Seaton Meadows landfill site in Hartlepool. Four fire engines are at the scene.

"Please avoid the area if you can. We would advise residents within proximity to the site to keep all doors and windows closed.”

Cleveland Police added: “Officers are in the area supporting our fire brigade colleagues and monitoring the situation. We appreciate your patience if your travel is being affected.”

One onlooker said: “Huge plumes of thick black smoke could be seen across town.

"It looks like a large fire on top of Seaton Meadows.

"Diggers could be be seen at the top trying to clear the site while the fire was tackled with hoses.

"It looked very dramatic.”

We will bring you more on this breaking story as we get it.

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