A fire at a former industrial site near Caerphilly town centre is causing concern to local residents, but the key agencies involved in protecting public health are keen to assure the community that the problem is being addressed.
A fire was reported at the former Thomas Ness Tar Plant in Caerphilly on Friday 25 June and representatives from Environmental Health, the Environment Agency and the South Wales Fire Service quickly arrived on site to assess the situation.
The fire consisted of stockpiled materials including tree stumps and general vegetation. After careful consideration a decision was reached to allow the fire to continue burning in a controlled manner to reduce the risk of burning elsewhere. This approach also reduces the risk of any contaminated surface water run off from the site should water have been used to extinguish the fire.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the length of time being taken to tackle the fire, but the agencies involved are keen to explain that the approach taken to date is considered to be the most effective way of reducing risk of further problems.
Cllr Lyn Ackerman, CCBC cabinet member for the environment said, “We are keen to reassure the local community that the protection of Public Health is of paramount importance and we take our duty very seriously. We are confident that this is the best way to deal with the fire and all the agencies concerned are closely monitoring the situation on a regular basis.”
Since Friday, an Environmental Health officer has visited the site every day to monitor progress and ensure protection of Public Health. A written undertaking from the site owners has been received by both CCBC and the Environment Agency agreeing to remove the remaining material from the site by Thursday 1st July.
If residents have any questions they can contact Ceri Evans on 01495 235026.
