Date: 9th September, 2017
People living in the area of Old Vicarage Lane, South Marston are being warned to take care as a large bonfire burns on the site of the former Mercure Hotel.
As significant amounts of smoke have been rising from the blaze, local residents – especially anyone with a pre-existing respiratory condition – are being advised to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the site shortly before 6am this morning. At that time, the fire involved a large pile of builders’ waste and was burning out under control.
A crew from Stratton returned to the scene at 10.25am as the fire had spread to a further pile of waste. A fire break is now in place and the bonfire is again burning out under control.
Due to the potential effect of the fire on local residents, the Service is meeting with other agencies – including Swindon Borough Council – tomorrow (10 September) to discuss what options may be available for further intervention.