Air quality monitoring equipment to be deployed

Oak Farm

Published: Monday 19th September 2016 | 4.30pm

Cannock Chase Council’s Environmental Health Team are to deploy equipment to monitor the air quality in the immediate area of the fire at Oak Farm, Slitting Mill.

Following the receipt of guidance from specialists in the subject Cannock Chase Council has hired and arranged for the installation of specialist air quality monitoring equipment to assess the smoke from the fire at the Oak Farm. The focus of the monitoring will be the small airborne particles that may be breathed in and get in people’s eyes causing irritation. It is anticipated that the equipment will be installed in the next few days and the results it provides will be reviewed by Public Health England.

Up to 1000 tonnes of wood waste has been stored on site and has become involved in the fire. The waste at the site is predominantly shredded wood, however it Is clear that there is other refuse mixed in with the pile as it appears that skips have been allowed to tip at the site with what appears to be domestic refuse.

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service initially tried to carry out accelerated burns on some of the waste, allowing it to burn safely. The Environment Agency asked Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service to consider using as little water as possible when tackling the fire because of potential risks to groundwater below the site which is used for drinking water.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said: “Slow and steady progress is being made to tackle the fire at Oak Tree Farm in Slitting Mill. Crews have been at the site all weekend using mechanical diggers to move the smouldering waste tonne by tonne away from the main pile. It is then being thinly spread in order to control the burn and extinguish the fire using the minimum amount of water possible. At this point we cannot say for definite how long it will take to fully resolve the situation.

“However, we would like to reassure residents that every possible option has been explored in order to extinguish the fire in the most efficient and effective manner and that the safety of our communities is always our top priority. We will continue to work closely with our partners from the Environment Agency, Cannock Chase Council and Staffordshire County Council to deal with this incident.”

Residents are reminded that there is a public meeting at Rugeley Community Fire Station today Monday 19 September at 7pm for residents to get the latest updates and to ask any questions they may have. Please note that parking is limited at the station.

Public Health England advises that it’s important that local residents understand that the risks to their health are low, however smoke is an irritant so it can make people’s eyes and throat sore. The general advice remains that people should do all they can to stay out of the smoke.

If you are affected by the smoke you should stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed.  Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

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