Hume Highway closed due to fire at Somerton recycling site

The Hume Council has described the site of a huge fire in Somerton as an illegal rubbish tip that was a disaster waiting to happen.

More than 100 fire fighters are battling the blaze, along with the water-bombing helicopter.

The Council says the operators of the tip have ignored court orders to clear the site and the matter is due back in court next week.

John Anderson from the CFA says residents in Somerton and Craigieburn should stay indoors and the smoke is also affecting the Hume Highway.

‘This could actually go on all day, if not into tonight,’ he said.