Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday, 7th November 2024, at 16:00hrs
“We understand the concerns and the impact on local residents and would like to reassure you that we are continuing to monitor the site and work as a partnership.“
Emergency services were originally called on Monday night to reports of a fire at a scrapyard in Great Harwood.
On arrival, they found tonnes of waste being burnt at the site. However, firefighters had access restricted and are aware of smoke, causing an impact on the local community.
A multi agency response was initiated involving Lancashire Police and Hyndburn Borough Council.
Firefighters spent Tuesday at the site with assistance from Lancashire Police who were then attacked with fireworks as they attempted to carry out their duties.
Three teenagers were later arrested on suspicion of affray.
Local residents can still smell smoke in the area of Meadow Street and are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
In a statement released today, Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service said:
“On Monday evening, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was notified about a waste fire on Meadow Street, Great Harwood.
Smoke was having an impact to the local community but access to the site had been restricted by a large HGV parked across a gate.
A tactical plan to gain access was established on Tuesday and during the evening, both police officers and firefighters gained access to the site.
As police officers left their vehicles on arrival, a number of fireworks were launched towards them. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Three men, two aged 19 and one aged 21, all from Great Harwood, were arrested on suspicion of affray.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, four fire engines were in attendance damping down the flames and smoke involving tonnes of commercial waste.
We understand the concerns and the impact on local residents and would like to reassure you that we are continuing to monitor the site and work as a partnership.”
What can you do?
– If you can smell or see smoke in the proximity, please keep your windows and doors closed.
– If smoke/a fire is causing a pollution concern, but there is not a threat to life or property, you can report this directly at Hyndburn Borough Council via this online form – https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/services/eh-report-burning-in-hyndburn/
– If there is an immediate risk to property or life due to fire please call 999 and ask for the fire service.
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