CAMBIRDGESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has defended its decision to let the fire at Murfitt s Industries in Littleport burn itself out. The fearsome blaze on Wisbech Road has been smouldering for almost a week, with thick plumes of smoke continuing to pou

CAMBIRDGESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has defended its decision to let the fire at Murfitt's Industries in Littleport burn itself out.

The fearsome blaze on Wisbech Road has been smouldering for almost a week, with thick plumes of smoke continuing to pour into the air around the village in that time.

The fire service though, has insisted that it has continued to work with a number of partner agencies to monitor the fire and believes that the decision to allow the fire to burn-out was the right one.

A spokesperson said: "The joint agency decision has been to allow the fire to burn itself out. This is because the fire will burn hotter and cleaner and with less and lighter smoke.

"Any toxic substances in the burning material will burn off rather than be released into the atmosphere. Adding water causes thicker and blacker smoke.

"All agencies appreciate that this is not pleasant for local residents, but allowing the fire to burn itself out is the best course of action for a fire of this nature."

Staff from the fire service and Environment Agency will be available on Friday and Saturday in Main Road, near to shops parked in the large Fire Incident Command Unit, and will be on hand to explain to local residents about why the decision has been made to allow the fire to burn out and why this is the best option.

A leaflet is also being produced which will be delivered to those homes nearest to the fire and will be available in other locations in the village, including in the Incident Command Unit, to provide information to local residents.