Fire-fighter have created a new method for speeding-up the operation to put out a fire at an industrial estate in Ffotrestfach.
A large temporary dammed area has been created on site to immerse an estimated 5,000 tonnes of burning tyre flock as it is being removed from the building using specialist plant equipment.
By using the dam area fire-fighters can extinguish the tyre flock, a by-product of tyre recycling, more quickly by immersing larger quantities of the burning material.
Roger Thomas, Group Manager with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is a vey complex fire to extinguish because the burning material has to be removed from the building and immersed in water.
“We have made great progress on site in recent days. We have demolished a large section of the building which means we can remove the burning material more quickly.
“And now that we’ve created a large dammed area on site we can extinguish the material in larger quantities than we could using water-filled containers.
“Everyone wants this fire extinguished as quickly as possible and all the agencies involved are working together to ensure that happens.”
The fire at the former Mettoys factory was reported on June 16. The cause is unknown and a joint fire and police investigation is under way.
Local air quality continues to be monitored by Environment Agency Wales and Swansea Council to determine 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.
Dr Jorg Hoffmann, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at Public Health Wales Public said that health advice in the area has not changed.
He said: “Health advice has not changed over the last few days. Air quality measurements continue to be taken from near the scene of the fire which 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.
“Local residents and visitors to the area should minimise exposure wherever possible by staying indoors and closing windows and doors.
“The health effects of breathing in smoke will depend on the sensitivity of the person exposed to the smoke, which is higher in those with existing heart and lung problems, such as asthma, bronchitis and angina. Children may be more sensitive because they breathe faster than adults and they may be more likely to experience symptoms.”
A multi-agency response is in place involving Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police, Swansea Council, Environment Agency Wales, Public Health Wales and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board.
