BURNING rubbish near a live electricity pylon kept firefighters on standby near a York travellers' site for over three hours.

The fire broke out close to the Osbaldwick Industrial Estate. It was described as "well ablaze" and sent a thick plume of black smoke high into the air. The cause was said to be "controlled burning of rubbish." Firefighters said the blaze could easily have been put out, but the 240,000-volt pylon meant extra care was needed.

Assistant Divisional Officer John Swires said: "There is a very real risk if the line is live and we try to fight the fire.

"We are hanging back until we find out if it needs to be turned off, or until the fire burns out."

A engineer was called to the scene and was working to isolate the power if needed.

But the fire eventually burned itself out harmlessly.

Jo Dawson, of the York Travellers' Trust, said: "The residents said the fire was very frightening. It highlights the problem of people who don't live on the site illegally dumping rubbish near it. Nobody knows who started it."

Police backup for the firefighters was provided but not needed. Nobody was injured.

Updated: 11:27 Friday, April 26, 2002