Landfill Fire Will Burn For Rest Of Week

The HSE has revealed that the underground fire still raging in Naas, could still be burning at the end of this week.

According to the HSE this morning, firefighters from Dublin, Kildare, Laois and Wicklow together with civil defence personnel, are continuing to suppress the fire at Kerdiffstown landfill near Naas.

A spokesman said that while further progress was made today on Tuesday, it is likely that the fire will not be fully extinguished before the end of the present week.

"Emissions from the site are now less evident, but there is still a relatively narrow plume, or band, of smoke which will travel several miles from Kerdiffstown depending on wind and other weather conditions."

The HSE repeated its advice that people should avoid the plume and stay inside, with windows and doors shut, whenever the plume is passing over their houses or other premises. This advice is as important to schools as it is to households.

The Environmental Protection Agency said this morning that the fire is still emitting a narrow plume, or band, of smoke, and that some people may be sensitive to the effects of smoke. Those with existing respiratory or cardiac problems, young children and the elderly may experience symptoms.

The HSE has advised that people with symptoms should reduce their level of activity, take medications as prescribed and consult their doctor. Some people may be sensitive to the effects of smoke.

Public health and environmental health staff visited the site on Friday and liaise with residents over the coming days. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing 24-hour security arrangements on the site.

The fire, which started more than a week ago, has been described as an “environmental emergency” by Charlie Talbot, secretary of Kildare County Council, with the fire services unable to bring it under control. Smoke containing elevated levels of sulphur-dioxide has prompted some local residents to leave their homes.

Air quality measurements in the area have recently found some improvements in airborne toxin levels, and measurements to date indicate no breach of standards, according to the EPA.

The Kildare Fire Service said it has taken advice from an expert group, although a strategy for dealing with the blaze may take "several weeks to complete". Machinery will be brought in to help in this work, and the EPA’s UK specialist will be on site today to advise further on firefighting strategy.

According to the EPA, indications are that the burning material is mostly wood waste with some 10% plastic. It added that monitoring revealed no air quality standard breaches “although it has been recognised that the fire and the site itself has caused concerns for local people”.

(DW)