Fire at landfill site

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is working with partners and emergency services today (28th May) following a fire at Hafod Quarry Landfill site, Ruabon.

Local residents are currently being advised to close their windows and doors and to remain inside during this incident.

This is an NRW-regulated site, owned and run by Enovert, and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) have remained in attendance throughout the night and day with the cause of the incident being subject to an investigation in due course.

Ann Weedy, Operations Manager, for Natural Resources Wales, said:

“At present, our officers are on the site to support NWFRS and will continue to monitor for any potential impact on the local environment or risk to the local community and the surrounding areas.

“Fires can have a serious impact on people and the environment, so it’s imperative that we work with our multi-agency partners NWFRS, North Wales Police, Wrexham County Borough Council and Public Health Wales throughout the incident to ensure that the fire is brought under control and to safeguard local residents.”

Dr Huw Brunt, Lead Consultant in Environmental Public Health at Public Health Wales added:

“Smoke can irritate airways, the skin and the eyes leading to coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may become unwell because of smoke; those with asthma should carry their inhaler with them at all times.

“Odours associated with fires can cause annoyance, stress and anxiety, nausea, headaches or dizziness. These are common reactions to odours, rather than to the substances that cause the smell. We are able to detect odours at levels that are much lower than can cause harm to health.”

If you are in a place affected by smoke, stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed when affected by the smoke, but open them again to air your home when the smoke passes.

If you need to be outdoors, avoid areas affected by smoke or ash, or limit the time you spend in them. Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep air vents closed.

Anyone concerned about their symptoms should contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. Any symptoms usually disappear quickly and should not lead to long term health problems.