A major fire which engulfed a recycling centre at Poole's Nuffield Industrial Estate on Saturday was not started deliberately, fire officers have said.

The fire at W&S Recycling saw 300 tonnes of rubbish ablaze, with the black plumes of smoke seen from several miles away.

Eight fire crews were sent to the scene following reports of large amount of smoke at 3.48pm on Saturday.

And people living south east of the Kennington Road blaze were advised to keep their windows and doors closed, although there was no danger to the public, the fire service said.

One couple, who work at the industrial estate, said they could see the smoke from Gravel Hill.

Canford Heath resident Josh Samways was visiting the public tip when he spotted black smoke coming from the other side of the road.

"You could see the big plume of smoke getting bigger and bigger," he said. "Then the fire and police started turning up.

Bournemouth Echo:

"Before they cordoned off the road there were about 20 kids watching and about 15 cars just pulled over watching it all. Then they shut the road and moved everyone on.

"I have seen heath fires before but this was a really big rubbish fire - there was just so much black smoke."

At one stage it there was concern the fire could spread to a nearby diesel tank at Didcot Road which was also closed off to the public.

Fortunately the fire service managed to contain the blaze.

At its height, there were eight fire engines, a water carrier and the aerial ladder platform at the scene.

The police helicopter was also launched to help the ground units determine the extent of the fire.

No one was injured as a result of the incident.

Firefighters remained on site until nearly 9pm on Saturday night after hours of dampening down the scene.

They returned early the next morning to ensure the site was safe.