Neerabup fireplace: Hester Landfill and Recycling Facility blaze sends dangerous smoke spilling across Perth

Potentially hazardous smoke has blanketed Perth’s north-western suburbs as firefighters battle a burning rubbish fire.

The blaze was reported at Hester Landfill and Recycling Facility about 8.30am on Thursday, with authorities issuing a HAZMAT alert to City of Wanneroo residents just before 1pm.

More than a dozen firefighters are still on scene working to extinguish the potentially hazardous blaze which is rising about 30m high.

Crews are using machinery to pull the large pile apart making it easier to manage and spraying foam and water in an attempt to put it out.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has urged people in the area of the fire, which is burning to the east of Mitchell Freeway, to stay indoors and away from the smoke.

The area impacted includes residents living in Clarkson, Neerabup, Tamala Park and Kinross.

Roads have not been closed but motorists are being asked to avoid the area and drive with caution.

Firefighters plan to work into the night until it is extinguished, a DFES spokesman said.

At this stage it is unclear what caused the rubbish to catch fire.