A councillor says the smoke from a Carlisle fire which has been burning for almost a month has started to impact the health of residents.
A number of organisations, including Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council and the Environment Agency, are working closely to bring the incident at Rockcliffe Estate safely to a close.
Local councillor Gareth Ellis says the fire and smoke are “still causing suffering” for some residents in the area after the blaze started on November 8.
The Carlisle City Councillor for Belah and Kingmoor said: “Residents have been assured that there are no asbestos particles in the atmosphere, and the smoke is low risk. But what we have seen is a sustained smell and nuisance smoke for what is now over three weeks.
“Over 300 tonnes of shredded plastic have been put under a control burn at the site. I have had reports from residents that the smell and smoke over the last few days have been worse than ever.
“People who have existing respiratory problems have noticed a deterioration in their own health and wellbeing as a result of the smoke. With people presenting with a burning sensation in their eyes and nose.
“The advice of keeping windows and doors shut only really helps for a short period of time, not for what looks like coming up to a month, and quite rightly people who are impacted don’t feel that is good enough.
“Residents deserve to know at what point they will be able to go out and breath the air easily again and stop feeling like prisoners in their own home.”
What do public health have to say?
Colin Cox, Cumbria County Council’s Director of Public Health said: “An assessment carried out early into the incident identified the risk to health from any air pollution as very low. However, due to the ongoing smoke in the area, air quality levels will be affected.
“The advice from public health remains the same, residents in the surrounding area who are affected by the smoke should keep any windows and doors closed. Any residents with any concerns about their individual health should contact their GP practice or NHS 111.”
What does the fire service have to say about this?
John Beard, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer said: “We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding whilst we bring this incident safely to a close. We understand the additional smoke in the surrounding area is not pleasant, however, the multi-agency team are doing their utmost to safely extinguish the fire whilst minimising the impact on the local community.”
