Penallta fire: Petrol pollutes stream and kills fish after blaze

There are environmental concerns for the area, following the blaze

Oil and petrol have polluted a stream and killed fish after a blaze at a recycling plant.

The fire took hold at Penallta Industrial Estate, Hengoed, Caerphilly county, at 15:13 BST on Wednesday.

About 200 tonnes of plastic, foam, electrical items, batteries, gas cylinders and machinery caught fire, firefighters said.

A clean-up has been started by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Spill Response Wales and the fire service.

It is thought about 200 tonnes of plastic, foam, electrical items, batteries, gas cylinders and machinery caught fire

NRW said "a large amount" of oil and petrol had entered a stream near the site and a number of dead fish had been seen.

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People have been warned to avoid contact with water in Nant Cylla, a tributary of the River Rhymney, and nearby water courses whilst the clean-up takes place.

NRW said measures had been taken to absorb oil and petrol run off and dams have been built in nearby brooks. Pipes have been fitted to let clean water through.

Natural Resources Wales has begun a clean-up operation

David Letellier of NRW said it was "imperative" residents and the environment were protected.

"We'll continue to monitor the impact on air quality and local watercourses over the coming days," he said.

South Wales fire service station commander Mark Kift said crews had worked "tirelessly" to tackle the fire and stop it spreading.

Petrol and oil have polluted a stream and killed fish

The fire has been put out and firefighters have now left the scene, Mr Kift said.

"The clean-up process is now underway and we would like to remind local residents that the recycling plant remains closed at this time and to follow any guidance from NRW and Public Health Wales regarding the surrounding area."

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Due to the scale of the fire, the materials alight continued to smoulder and crews worked in partnership to strategize and decide a course of action."

The service's urban search and rescue teams were also deployed to provide support and lighting for crews and partner agencies working overnight.

A range of specialist equipment, including aerial ladder platforms, high volume pumps and numerous fire appliances were used to help tackle the fire and secure the area, the spokesperson added.