Sherburn tyre fire: Blaze under control through night but 'could last days'
Emergency services are still at the scene of a colossal fire which broke out yesterday morning at a recycling plant near Sherburn.
Sherburn and South Milford
15,000 tonnes of tyres, estimated to equate to around 1.8 million tyres, continues to burn through the night as fire crews brought the blaze under control.
A massive plume of smoke, visible in satellite photos from NASA, was last night reported to have deposited small amounts of soot and ash in areas beneath it. The plume is still rising high into the atmosphere which, public health officials say, has reduced any risk to the public.
Public Health England has reiterated advice issued last night that people should stay away from the smoke and those with existing medical conditions who are concerned about the effects of the smoke on their health should contact their GP for advice.
They say they are not aware of any residents having attended hospital suffering from symptoms related to the fire so far.
A spokesperson for Public Health England said, “So far, there have been no reports of any people experiencing ill effects from this fire. However, sheltering indoors provides protection from exposure to smoke, so we advise residents in areas affected by smoke from the fire to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed as much as possible to limit any exposure to smoke. Reports from the scene indicate that the smoke is not affecting areas close to the site at this point in time.
“Anyone who suffers from respiratory conditions, such as asthma, is advised to ensure they have taken any prescribed medication and keep it to hand. If you are concerned about the effects of smoke on your health, telephone your GP or call 111 for advice.
“Motorists who have to travel through any smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.
The spokesman added that the any potential adverse impact on long-term health would be limited.
He said, “While adverse long term health effects cannot be completely ruled out, the risks are likely to be very low. It is generally accepted that exposure to harmful substances over a long time period would be necessary to produce longer-term health effects.”
Environment Agency officers and the Met Office are continuing to monitor the plume as it burns. Current estimates could mean that the fire might not be extinguished for at least five days.