The smoke captured in Mr Gray’s image was seen from a number of different angles throughout the morning, with the smoke starting to dissipate after lunchtime – although it was still visible for many hours.
Pictured: When the fire was at its height there was thick black smoke which was visible for miles
At its height the fire had led to thick black plumes of smoke which could be seen from as far away as Jersey and France.
Pictured: The fire seen from a boat near Sark while the blaze was its height
While it’s not yet known what caused the fire, the Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service was seen to be concentrating on an area stacked high with scrapped cars which were ablaze.
The “explosions” which some eye witnesses reported hearing earlier in the day were explained by Firefighter Pierre Laine to be “batteries” which were “popping” in the extreme heat.
While the smoke was described as “acrid” the States Environmental Health team said it was not toxic. The advice was however, for people living nearby to keep their windows and doors closed.
Pictured: The smoke was looking “cleaner” by mid afternoon
Public Health said: “We believe the smoke, while acrid, does not contain chemicals. Anyone near the area or affected by the plume of smoke over their properties should stay inside and close all doors and windows. We are aware that islanders will be able to smell the smoke and with the plume continuing to dissipate to the east, expect this to reduce considerably over the next few hours.”
The Fire and Rescue Service are likely to stay on the scene over night as while the blaze was brought under control, it is reported to still be alight.
Pictured: Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service hard at work during the afternoon
Bulwer Avenue has been closed in both directions, with diversions in place, to allow the emergency services to work and to ensure the area is safe. Guernsey Water has also said it is not using Longue Hougue as water storage at the moment as a “temporary precaution.”
Main image: Martin Gray
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