Reports of a landfill fire near Didcot, South Oxfordshire, have drawn attention to emergency response activity in the area. However, available reporting does not currently confirm that a new landfill fire is taking place today, so details about a current incident should be treated cautiously.
The Sutton Courtenay landfill site, located on Appleford Road near Didcot, has previously been the scene of significant fires. In April 2026, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to a fire at the site after smoke was reported in the surrounding area. Residents nearby were advised to keep their doors and windows closed because of the smoke.
The April incident required firefighters and specialist equipment to tackle the waste fire. Reports later said crews were damping down the site after the main fire had been brought under control.
Landfill and waste-site fires can be challenging for firefighters because burning material may continue to produce smoke even after visible flames have been reduced. Emergency crews can therefore remain at a site for an extended period while they monitor hot spots and prevent the fire from spreading.
Local residents should follow any instructions issued by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service or other emergency authorities during an active incident. If smoke is present, people particularly close to the affected area may be advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Didcot Fire Station is part of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and provides emergency response capability for the surrounding area. The station has two rescue engines and a decontamination unit.
Further information about any current Didcot landfill fire should come from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, local authorities or other verified emergency sources. Until such information is available, claims about the size of the fire, the number of crews attending, injuries or evacuation orders should not be treated as confirmed.