Telford fire: Residents urged to keep windows shut as rubbish still burning three days on
Smoke is still drifting from Monday's fire at Greenway Polymers in Waterloo Road which has also closed lanes and slip roads on the M54
Businesses and residents in parts of Shropshire are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid smoke from a major fire at a recycling centre next to the M54 in Telford.
Rubbish is still burning at Greenway Polymers – formerly known as Johnson Aggregates & Recycling Ltd, Greenway Waste Recycling and Pink Skips – on Rock Road in Ketley, after a fire broke out just after midday on Monday.
Initially, residents in the immediate surrounding areas of Telford were being warned of the hazard from smoke and ash as smoke billowed out.
Shropshire Council has now warned conditions could see some properties and businesses west of the Wrekin - in Eaton Constantine, Upper Longwood, Garmston and Leighton - affected by lower concentrations of smoke from the blaze, which is expected to continue burning for some time.
Public Health England’s (PHE) advice for anyone who is affected by smoke says: "Any smoke can irritate airways, skin and eyes and cause coughing, wheezing breathlessness and chest pain.
"Chemicals in smoke can also worsen health problems like asthma and heart conditions, so people should carry their medication if they are in areas affected by the smoke.
"People with asthma should carry their inhaler. If symptoms occur, people should seek medical advice or call NHS 111."
People in areas affected by smoke should stay inside and keep doors and windows shut, while motorists travelling through the smoke are being advised to keep windows and air vents closed and to turn off air conditioning.
PHE also advises: "If people need to be outdoors, they should limit time spent in areas affected by smoke and ash."
The M54 eastbound entry slip road at Junction 6 is expected to remain closed until Friday, May 7.
Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service has said the blaze could last between seven to 10 days, with a clean-up operation taking months.
The six schools that had been closed on Wednesday because of drifting smoke have all reopened.
