Toxins fear after huge tyre blaze
Wednesday 9th September 2009, 11:07AM BST.
Crews tackling the blaze. Picture by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
Experts have been drafted in to monitor air and water quality in the wake of a massive blaze tackled by 30 firefighters at a Shropshire industrial estate.
See also: Wem blaze — in pictures – View this gallery…
Environment Agency officials fear water and air in and around Wem could become contaminated with toxins from the estimated 2,000 tonnes of burning shredded rubber involved in the incident.
The agency was today expected to deploy hi-tech air monitoring equipment at Kingpin Tyres Ltd, Wem Industrial Estate.
Residents have been advised to shut doors and windows until the fire, which started yesterday in the early hours, dies down.
Agency chiefs have also advised anyone with adverse side effects from the acrid smoke to contact their local GP or phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Steve Cawthorne, agency spokesman, said: “As the rubber burns it releases contaminents that the tyre is made from.
“As the fire service uses water on the fire there will be run-off from that and we have to find out where it has gone and where it is likely to go.”
Investigations were continuing today into the cause of the fire. Firefighters are expected to remain on site for days, possibly until the weekend.
Bill Nevett, manager at Wem Industrial Estate, said: “This fire is by far the worst we have had – it’s a hell of a fire.”
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