Truck driver forced to dump burning rubbish in Rockingham Shopping Centre car park

Fire crews have spent the morning at the scene of a rubbish fire at the Rockingham Shopping Centre.

It's understood a rubbish truck was forced to dump its load in the car park after it caught alight just before 6am.

Witness Russell Hendy told West Coast Radio he called emergency services after seeing thick black smoke and flames coming from the car park.

"I live 200 metres away, I thought there was a house on fire," he said.

"I rushed down there thinking I might have to help someone and I got there and there was a load of rubbish on fire in a garbage truck.

"He's (truck driver) emptied it out in the car park and there was explosions and fire."

Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze within an hour.

The cause is unknown.

Video: Russel Hendy/Supplied