Smoke and ash from blaze not toxic to public

Fire crews remain at the site of the warehouse, on Jameson Road, and water is being used to keep smoke and ash at a minimum.

But the firefighters cannot flood the site with water because of any potential environmental impact on the site, so the fire is gradually being allowed to wind down in a controlled manner.

However, what remains of the fire is now under control and has passed from the emergency phase into the recovery phase.

Wyre Council took over responsibilty for operations at the site last week, after the emergency phase of the operation was completed, with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service handing over responsibility.

A multi-agency meeting was due to be held to discuss the latest situation on Tuesday at around 5pm.

The warehouse, which contained 3,000 tonnes of baled plastic waste and is owned by Reform Energy, went up in flames on the evening of Saturday April 16.

A Wyre Council spokesman said: “The recovery phase is being led by Wyre Council in conjunction with partners including the site operator, Lancashire Fire and Rescue personnel, Environment Agency and representatives from the police. Water continues to be sprayed on the fire, which will suppress the smoke and airborne ash. Residual smoke rising from the plant contains no toxic substances that would present a risk to the public and ash carried in the smoke and falling to the ground is also harmless.”

However those who do come into contact with the smoke are reminded to take basic precautions and limit their exposure to avoid any respiratory problems.