Water tested as landfill blaze enters third day

The fire at Seaton Meadows in Hartlepool broke out on Tuesday

Samples have been taken from a watercourse near the site of a landfill fire, which continues to burn for a third day.

The blaze at Seaton Meadows in Hartlepool was first reported on Tuesday morning.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said smoke should reduce in the area throughout the day, but advised residents to keep windows and doors closed.

The Environment Agency said fire water run-off was being contained in a pond on the site, with "minimal impact" on the environment.

'Burning rubber'

A large number of tyres are alight at the landfill, say the fire brigade.

One local resident, who did not wish to be identified, said their front room smelled of smoke, despite keeping windows and doors closed the whole time.

"We're still really, really concerned. We still don't have the information we need to make a decision about our safety," the resident said.

"The smell in the air today is just burning rubber. It's awful.

"It's having a significant impact on our lives to the point where we had to consider whether we need to leave our home."

A "large" number of tyres are on fire, say the fire brigade

A school in the town was unable to cook hot meals for pupils on Thursday due to the fire.

The extraction fan at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School could not be used due to fumes and pupils received a packed lunch instead. The children were also kept indoors at break time in line with guidance.

Paul Rickeard, CEO of Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, which the school is part of, said: “From our perspective, it’s frustrating, because our children couldn’t have a hot meal because of the way our systems work, but also we’re keeping them safe.

"They understand that accidents happen.”

Mr Rickeard added it was hoped hot meals could be brought in from another school at the trust on Friday if they could not be cooked on site.

'Working tirelessly'

Fire crews began tackling the blaze at about 08:00 GMT on Tuesday.

They described the incident as still "ongoing" on Thursday, advising residents in the affected area to minimise time spent outside and suggesting those with asthma carry their inhalers.

The fire service said: "Crews are working tirelessly at the scene and are continuing to monitor the situation.

"We have put plans in place to mitigate the smoke, which should reduce in the area throughout the day."

The Environment Agency said: "We’re continuing to support our professional partners to respond to the ongoing incident at Seaton Meadows landfill.

"This includes taking samples from a watercourse near the site."