Agencies issue statements after big fire at Walleys Quarry landfill
Multiple fire crews battled to suppress the fire throughout Monday
Last updated 5th Aug 2024
A number of officials have responded with updates following a significant fire at a Newcastle landfill site.
The blaze broke out just before 10pm on Sunday evening at Walleys Quarry in Silverdale.
Around six crews from across Staffordshire were in attendance fighting to contain the flames and smoke throughout the night.
Cemetery Road in Silverdale remains cordoned off to traffic and pedestrians and we're told emergency services are to remain at the landfill site over the coming days.
We've obtained statements from a number of those involved including the regulator and the operator.
UK Health Security Agency
A UK Health Security Agency spokesperson told Greatest Hits Radio News:
"Members of the UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Team (HPT) and Radiation, Chemical and Environmental hazards team (RCE) have been liaising with Staffordshire FRS, Staffordshire County Council and the Environment Agency concerning the fire at Walleys Quarry Landfill site.
"From the information we have received, we understand that the area which caught alight is the top of the landfill containing household waste, so there is no additional information to add to our general advice concerning smoke from fires.
"Any smoke can be an irritant, which can affect airways, eyes and skin, causing coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. These symptoms are in line with what has been reported by residents. Substances in smoke can worsen health problems like asthma and heart conditions. If anyone is concerned for their health, they should contact NHS 111 online or get in touch with their GP.
"People in areas affected by smoke should stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed. Any motorists who have to travel through smoke should keep windows closed and turn off air conditioning and keep air vents closed."
Environment Agency
An Environment Agency spokesperson said:
"We have been in contact with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service about a fire which began at Walleys Quarry landfill. The fire is now under control and the smoke plume has subsided. The fire service will remain on site for a few days. The Environment Agency’s Air Quality Team has been providing information to the UK Health Security Agency.
“We have also been in touch with the site operator, who has informed us that the fire was contained in an area on top of the site, the gas infrastructure is functioning, and there is no risk of fire water run off onto surrounding land.
“Our officers will be on site today to assess the impact of the fire."
Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service
Station Manager Duncan Cole said:
“Crews are continuing to work alongside site staff who are using diggers to lift sections of the waste, allowing firefighters to damp down remaining hot spots.
“We expect to be here for a few days yet to ensure all hot spots are fully extinguished so that the fire does not reignite.”
Further comments issued to Greatest Hits Radio News read: "Crews have worked tirelessly throughout the night to bring the fire under control and to minimise the impact on the local community.
"At the height of the incident there were six fire engines, a water carrier and a high volume pump being used to tackle the fire. The main seats of the fire have been contained.
"Fire investigators will be at the site today to look into the cause of the fire.
"We want to remind local residents to take precautions, to keep windows closed and avoid the area where possible."
Walleys Quarry Ltd
A spokesperson for Walleys Quarry said:
“The surface fire at Walleys Quarry landfill site has now been brought under control.
"The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are continuing to suppress the waste with water, and Walleys Quarry team are turning the material.
"A waking watch will be undertaken over the coming days, during this time there will be visible steam and light smoke from the Walleys Quarry landfill.
"We would like to thank the efforts of the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and police overnight to manage the fire, we also acknowledge that this will have been disruptive for the community around Walleys Quarry and we apologise for this, we thank residents for their understanding.
"Once safe to do so an investigation to identify the cause of the fire will be undertaken.”