Update on Long Marston fire

This morning, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have got under control a fire at SIMS Metal Management site at Long Marston, near Stratford upon Avon.

The fire started on Tuesday evening in an open air storage facility, which contained an estimated 12-15,000 tonnes of recycled materials including foam, fibre and plastics from cars.

Given the amount of material involved it is expected to take a number of days for the fire service, with help from SIMS, to completely put the fire out.

Derek Campbell, General Manager of Sims Group UK said “We're working with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the fire is dealt with as quickly as possible. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to local residents and will be reviewing our internal fire prevention procedures at this site. As of right now we still don't know the cause of the fire, but we appreciate the efforts of all emergency responders. Safety and the health of the communities in which we live and work are our highest priorities. We take this matter seriously and will work to prevent such an occurrence in the future."

Public Health England (PHE) in the West Midlands is aware of the on-going fire at the Sims Metal UK recycling plant in Long Marston and is working with the Environment Agency, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services to manage the incident.

A PHE West Midlands spokesperson said: “Smoke from any source may contain substances that irritate the lining of air passages, eyes and skin; making the eyes and throat sore and possibly worsening any breathing or heart conditions."

“Respiratory symptoms may include coughing and wheezing, breathlessness, sputum (phlegm) production and chest pain. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual."

“People should do all they can to stay out of the smoke. If residents are affected by smoke, they should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should also keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed."

Anyone affected by the smoke or concerned about its impact on their health should call NHS Direct 0845 4647 / NHS 111.

Wychavon District Council will co-odinate advice to the public from the relevant experts.

Residents can keep track of the latest advice by following #longmarstonfire on twitter or by visiting www.wychavon.gov.uk