THE Libyan government appealed for international help today after oil tanks caught fire amid clashes near the international airport in the capital Tripoli.

The interim government said fighting between rival militias had caused a huge blaze which could trigger a “humanitarian and environmental disaster.”

Firefighters have failed to extinguish the blaze that started when the depot was hit by rockets fired by combatants jostling for control of the airport on Sunday.

The plant contains millions of gallons of fuel and the authorities fear the blaze could spread to a natural gas reservoir.

“There is a risk of a massive explosion which could cause damage over three to five kilometres,” spokesman Mohamed al-Hrari said.

“Firefighters have been trying for hours to put out the blaze but to no avail.

“Their water reserves finally ran out and they’ve had to leave.”

He said the only option left was “intervention by air.”