Rubbish truck fire causes delays

UPDATED: 9:14am A rubbish truck that was engulfed in flames after rubbish in its rear caught fire is causing disruption in Perth city centre.

The fire started in the back of the truck on The Esplanade, between William and Barrack streets, about 6am.

Firefighters battled to extinguish the blaze for almost three hours before it was put out just before 9am.

The truck, near Howard Street, caught fire after flames spread from the rubbish.

A Fire and Emergency Services Authority spokesman said the rubbish would be dumped on the road.

He said three men were wearing breathing apparatus to protect them from toxic fumes.

It is expected The Esplanade will be closed for some time, causing major delays for peak-hour commuters. The Sherwood Court entry into The Esplanade is also closed.

Motorists are advised to take care and avoid the area if possible.

The clean-up this morning. Picture: Jason Munro

Traffic is queuing back on the Narrows Bridge exit ramp from the Kwinana Freeway and on the Mounts Bay Road exit ramp from the Mitchelle Freeway as a result of the fire.

Traffic is also backed up on William Street to Roe Street in the lead up to The Esplanade.

It is unknown how the fire started.

Picture: Bill Hatto