News and Events

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were called on Saturday morning at 10:15am to a fire involving waste on Alan Ramsbottom Way, Great Harwood. Upon assessment, firefighters deployed three fire engines to the site and have spent the last two days extinguishing the fire.

The fire is to an area of deep-seated waste and may take several days to extinguish. We appreciate that we are in a prolonged period of warm weather, but if local residents or businesses can see or smell smoke, we advise to close windows and doors.

For the latest updates on the current incident, please visit the incident log on our website.

Residents will be aware that persistent illegal burning at this site has been a long-term issue. The site at Meadow Street is operating illegally and has no licence to collect and dispose of waste or scrap metal.

A multi-agency group is in place, bringing together Lancashire Constabulary, Hyndburn Borough Council, The Environment Agency, Joint Unit for Waste Crime and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. As a group we are using all legal tools available to us to take robust action.

Recently, a Community Protection Warning followed by a Community Protection Notice were issued to the occupiers of the site. Actions are being undertaken to ensure adherence to the conditions of the above.

We understand the frustration of residents but we ask you to continue to report smoke/fires If smoke/a fire is causing a pollution concern, but there is not a threat to life or property, you can report this directly to https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/burning/

We understand that particularly with the current nice weather we are experiencing that residents have a right to enjoy their gardens and other outdoor spaces. However, the health advice from the UKHSA is still that if you can smell or see smoke in the proximity, please keep your windows and doors closed.

We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding whilst we seek a lasting outcome that restores the quality of life to residents and businesses affected in the area.

Health advice

The UK Health Security Agency, who provides the government and the public with health information, have provided the following health advice for residents:

• Residents in areas affected by smoke should stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and follow fire service updates for further advice and information. Any smoke can be an irritant and as such, if people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid outside areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.

• Some substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the air passages, the skin and the eyes. Respiratory symptoms include coughing and wheezing, breathlessness, sputum (phlegm) production and chest pain. Chemicals in the smoke can worsen existing health problems like asthma. People with asthma should carry their inhaler.

• If you’re experiencing health effects that you think may be related to the smoke, please seek medical advice by calling NHS 111 or by contacting your GP. If you have an existing health condition, discuss your concerns and symptoms with them. In the case of an emergency, call 999.