Kronospan Wrexham factory sees third fire in three years

Crews have been disassembling an isolated log wall where the fire took hold

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a blaze at a factory, the third in less than three years.

Crews were called to the Kronospan panelling factory in Chirk, near Wrexham, at 02:15 GMT on Monday where a fire started in an "isolated" log wall.

The company, which employs more than 600 people at the site, has confirmed no-one was hurt in the latest fire.

A fire also broke out in one of the filter towers in July 2018 following an earlier major fire in September 2017.

North Wales Fire and Rescue service said the blaze was under control and would be "extinguished as soon as practicable" depending on the weather.

Apology

Residents living near the site have been told while the risk to their health from the fire is low, they should keep their doors and windows closed if affected by smoke and contact their GP if they have any concerns.

Kronospan has apologised for any inconvenience while the fire is dealt with - but said the timber burning was non-toxic.

"The fire brigade remain on site and are controlling the fire with Kronospan helping in the process," the company said.

"The fire involves raw timber on the log yard."

A spokesman added the fire has not impacted production operations and an inquiry would be carried out.

Chirk Town councillor Gareth Baines said residents were unhappy with the length of time it took Wrexham council and Kronospan to issue statements about the fire.

"We're averaging one major fire a year at least. It's very serious," he said.

An emergency meeting of the town council, to discuss issues relating to the fire, will take place on Thursday.

Natural Resources Wales said the Afon Bradley had not been polluted during the incident, but it would continue to monitor the situation.

In 2017, residents sought legal action over the factory's dust emissions, with more than 1,000 people joining a Facebook group to highlight air pollution issues in the area.