Waste fire finally put out 15 days after it started
A FIRE that broke out at a waste storage site has finally been extinguished – 15 days after it started.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service finally left the scene of the fire at Siteserv Recycling at Llandow Trading Estate in the Vale of Glamorgan on Thursday.
For the last fortnight people living near the estate have been told to keep their windows and doors closed and stay out of the smoke after an estimated 2,000 tonnes of rubbish caught fire
The facility stores various forms of nonhazardous household, commercial and industrial waste.
There was not believed to be any asbestos at the site.
Plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the plant from miles around as firefighters battled the blaze.
It was the fourth large fire on the estate in just under four years.
Area manager Dewi Rose, head of operations for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I want to thank the crews from across the service who delivered a professional and committed approach to tackling the incident for its duration, as well as to the site owners and our partner agencies for their support in bringing this incident to a successful close.
“Throughout the incident we put in place close working operations with Siteserv demolition personnel, NRW, Welsh Water and other stakeholders in order to extinguish the fire, reduce air pollution, minimise the risk to the local community, protect the environment and allow business continuity in the greater Llandow area.”
Although the fire is now extinguished smoke from the site has not yet fully dispersed and may still be visible in the surrounding area.
During the fire response, the Public Health Wales environmental public health team advised anyone experiencing coughing, wheezing, breathlessness or chest pain after exposure to the smoke that these symptoms should pass quickly.
However, if symptoms did persist or residents were concerned about their health then they should contact their GP or call NHS Direct 0845 4647.
It was not expected that exposure to the smoke will lead to any long-term health problems.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) initially served a suspension notice as an emergency response to prevent further waste coming to the site. This has now been partially lifted for some presegregated recyclate waste to be accepted at the site.
Nadia De Longhi, operations manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “We play a key role in keeping communities safe. Our regulatory controls remain in place to ensure the operator takes the necessary steps to protect people and the environment.
“We will now undertake a full investigation, in cooperation with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and consider any appropriate enforcement action.”