Fire service battle blaze at landfill site in Chorley

Eight fire crews were called to Dawson Road in the early hours of the morning (13th July)

Author: Grace MarnerPublished 13th Jul 2022
Last updated 13th Jul 2022

The odour of burning rubber can be smelt for miles around Chorley today after a fire broke out in the early hours of the morning (13th July).

Eight crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are still at Quercia’s Clayton Hall Landfill on Dawson Lane in Whittle le Woods trying to control the blaze.

Residents nearby are being urged to keep their windows and doors shut because of the significant plumes of smoke in the area.

Dawson Lane remains shut and it's expected to be closed for some time while emergency services work with the Environment Agency at the incident.

In a statement, LFRS said:

"We are working with the Environment Agency and other local authorities. We expect to be at the site all day and Dawson Lane remains closed for the time being.

"Eight fire engines from Bamber Bridge, Chorley, Leyland, Fulwood, Blackburn, Penwortham, the command support unit from Fulwood, the Hagglund and the water bowser were mobilised to an incident on Dawson Lane in Buckshaw Village, Chorley.

"On arrival, firefighters found a large amount of landfill waste well alight.

"Crews are using jets to extinguish the fire and currently remain on scene."

Golfers hoping for a round in at Shaw Hill golf course this morning have been telling us they're not sure they should be playing as the smoke is quite pungent to the point where you can taste it.

A spokesperson for Quercia told us:

"A fire was reported at Quercia’s Clayton Hall Landfill on Dawson Lane, Whittle le Woods shortly after 1am this morning (13th July 2022).

"There are no reports of any casualties, and several fire service appliances are in attendance.

"Members of the Quercia team are working closely with the fire service to bring the fire under control and minimise any impact on the local community.

"We will update with more information as it becomes available."

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