The agencies involved in responding to the fire at Lawrence Recycling, Kidderminster have confirmed the steps that will be taken in order to extinguish the fire.
Unburnt waste is already being removed from the main building at the site and taken to landfill in order to create space that will allow the burning waste to be moved to the northern side of the site where there are interceptor traps. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service will then douse the burning material to put out the fire, with the run off water being captured in the interceptor traps and tankered away by contractors organised by the Environment Agency. The water will be safely disposed of elsewhere. The extinguished waste will be returned to its original location.
In order to proceed with these actions, the agencies have been advised that the two fire-damaged bays at the Lawrence's site must be demolished in order to permit safe working by specialist contractors in removing the waste prior to dousing.
Misting equipment will be deployed on Friday 19 July in order to minimise dust and smoke with demolition commencing on Monday 22 July. The dousing will start as soon as the safe demolition allows. It is expected the fire will be out next week.
Disturbing the burning material and moving it prior to dousing are likely temporarily to increase the grey-white smoke that is emitted from the site. Wyre Forest District Council is organising further air quality monitoring to be undertaken during this period and the results will be published in due course.
Public Health England has confirmed its advice to residents that the risks to their health are low. However because any smoke is an irritant, it can make people's eyes and throat sore. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual.
The general advice therefore remains that, if possible, people should try to remain out of the smoke. Workers should reduce their exposure to the plume as much as is practicable, and ventilate their workplace whenever the smoke is moving away from their premises. If companies have any concerns these should be directed to their local Health and Safety Executive Office who will be able to provide support regarding consideration of the need for personal protective equipment.
A briefing session for businesses located near to the Lawrence's site has been held on 17 July to brief them on the plans and the steps that they need to consider in order providing an appropriate working environment for their staff.
Ian Miller, Chief Executive of Wyre Forest District Council who chaired the meeting of the agencies, said:
"The agencies have listened to local residents' concerns. We have continuously reviewed the situation regarding putting out the fire, while protecting public health and the environment. The recent hot weather, changes to water levels and temperatures resulted in different conditions for the agencies to consider. Coupled with information that the fire was likely to burn for longer than first estimated, we have taken decisive action to bring it to an end more quickly."
The cost of the actions announced today is approximately £250,000 and is being met by the Environment Agency, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire County Council. The public sector has had to step in to deal with this matter because the company is unable to meet the costs at present. Steps will be taken in due course to seek to recover the public sector's expenditure on dealing with this matter.