Fire broke out in an open dump yard that was maintained by Sholinghur municipality in Ranipet on Friday, resulting in thick smoke in the area.

The police said that it was around 3 a.m when a few residents noticed thick smoke from the open dumpyard on the outskirts of town. The area is dotted with large godowns that store plastic wastes for recycle.

On being informed, Sholinghur Town police and firefighters reached the 10-acre plot of land. Every day, on an average, 15-20 tonnes of waste is dumped at the yard. These wastes are generated within the municipality limits that have 27 wards.

After more than two hours of labour, firefighters doused the fire. A case was registered. A probe is under way.