Fire erupts at Lydden Race Circuit as black smoke billows from paddock

A VEHICLE fire has erupted at the Lydden Race Circuit – with black smoke billowing from the paddock ahead of the World Rallycross Championship this weekend.

Video shared on social media showed the blaze at Lydden Race Circuit near Canterbury in Kent.

Twitter - @Kent_999s / Peter Rosenberg

A fire has broken out at Lydden Race Circuit[/caption]

Twitter - @Kent_999s / Peter Rosenberg

Locals have been warned to shut their windows[/caption]

Five fire engines and crews wearing special breathing apparatus are now tackling the vehicle fire.

The mile-long circuit has been branded “The Home of Rallycross” – and is the shortest road-racing circuit in Britain.

The track is due to host the massive FIA World Rallycross Championship this weekend.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “People near to Lydden Hill, in Wootton, Canterbury, are advised to close windows and doors due to smoke coming from a vehicle fire.

“Five fire engines are in attendance at a commercial premises, where crews wearing breathing apparatus are using main jets and compressed air foam to extinguish a fire involving several vehicles.”

“If you’re travelling on the A2 near to incident, please take care as the smoke may impact visibility.

“Please share this advice with anyone in the affected area who may not have access to social media. Thank you.”