The fire at an industrial unit in Swansea is under control but it is expected to take several weeks before the fire is fully extinguished.
Schools in the area are open today as normal
Emergency services have been at the scene on Fforestfach Industrial Estate since the fire was reported at 1.05pm on Thursday 16th June.
Approximately 5,000 tonnes of shredded tyre waste had been deposited at the premises and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Mid and West Wales fire-fighters have began the next phase of their operation by creating large holes in the outer walls of the building in order to remove the materials from within the building and fully extinguish the fire.
Mike Crowley, Station Manager, said, “We have made very good progress since Thursday. The fire is under control and there is no risk of the fire spreading.
“The material is very difficult to fully extinguish while it remains in the building. The density of the material means it retains the heat and when we apply water in solidifies into an outer crust.
“The most effective way of dealing with it is to remove the material in small sections and extinguish it outside the building.
“Having breached the outer walls of the building the next phase is to remove the waste materials in small sections so that we can extinguish it. Due to the amount of material on fire it will take several weeks to remove and fully extinguish it.
“Our fire-fighters have worked round the clock and have been magnificent. This is a large incident, but thankfully there has been no loss of life or injury which is a result of the professionalism and effective planning of all those agencies involved at the scene.”
During the weekend Ystrad Road, Bruce Road and Kingsway re-opened. Temporary ramps have been placed in sections of the road which will result in slow-moving traffic and non-essential vehicles should avoid the area.
Queensway has restricted access, although emergency services are assisting local businesses to gain essential access to their premises.
The Park and Ride service remains suspended until further notice to allow emergency services access to the site, but the few remaining vehicles left on-site since Thursday can be removed by their owners.
Public health experts have reiterated advice to residents and businesses in the area.
Lika Nehaul, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at Public Health Wales, said, “Air quality measurements from near the scene of the fire show that the concentrations of pollutants in the smoke have the potential to irritate eyes, nose and throat and cause an impact on health if inhaled.
“There is greater potential for health problems in people with existing chest and lung problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and cardiac problems including angina.
“Our advice to local residents and visitors to the area is to minimise exposure wherever possible by staying indoors and closing windows and doors.”
Local air quality continues to be monitored to determine ongoing public health impacts. Advice will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Anyone with symptoms who is concerned should try to avoid the affected area and contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 57 or their GP.
A multi-agency Serious Incident Room has been set up at Swansea Civic Centre.
Reena Owen, Swansea Council’s Director of Environment, said, “The multi-agency response to this large incident has been very effective.
“The latest advice is that emergency services will be at the scene for several weeks. It’s inevitable that there will be disruption to the local community and businesses, but our aim is to minimise the impact as much as possible.
“We are working very closely with businesses and providing assistance so that they can access their premises. We will continue to update the local community with the latest information and advice.”
Environment Agency Wales is working to protect the Fforestfach Stream and have deployed booms and other pollution control equipment to minimise any pollution. They continue to monitor the stream as well as air quality of the wider area.
