AN INVESTIGATION is today under way into how an 18-hour fire started at Marchwood's waste storage centre that led to a major asbestos and hazardous chemical scare.

Fire investigation officers are set to return to Marchwood Waste Transfer Station today after carrying out preliminary checks yesterday.

About 70 firefighters battled the blaze that broke out among the 200 tonnes of household waste shortly after 9pm on Saturday. It was finally put out at 3pm yesterday.

The area around the incinerator in Bury Road was cordoned off as residents were warned to stay indoors.

However, Onyx Hampshire, which runs the station, said there was no toxic waste and the fire did not reach the asbestos in the building.

See today's Spotlight feature under the 'More News' section of 'This is Southampton'.