Landfill fire continues into fifth day with firefighters still at scene

Landfill fire continues into fifth day with firefighters still at scene

A fire at a landfill site in Fife has now entered its fifth day, with three fire crews and specialist units continuing efforts to fully extinguish the blaze. The incident at the Ladybank waste facility first ignited on Tuesday afternoon, prompting warnings for nearby residents to keep windows closed if they detect smoke or notice its presence in the air.

At the peak of the emergency response, a total of 12 fire engines and various specialized resources were actively combating the fire. Despite this strong presence, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has indicated that the fire may not be fully brought under control until early next week. The complexity arises because the flames have penetrated deep into the piled waste, making access difficult. A spokesperson confirmed that firefighting operations are still ongoing.

Local authorities have confirmed that the waste transfer and processing center remains shut while emergency teams work to manage the situation. Fife Council acknowledged the distress caused to residents and the disruption to those traveling through the vicinity or attempting to use the Ladybank Recycling Centre. The council emphasized that smoke continues to emanate from the site, advising people to keep their doors and windows closed as a precaution. They also assured that regular bin collections are continuing as planned, though the household waste recycling center at the location will stay closed until it is safe to reopen. The council further clarified that the adjacent Ladybank Recycling Centre itself is unaffected and will resume operations once the fire is completely extinguished and access is safe.

Concerns were raised by the Unite union regarding the site evacuation procedures. Some staff members were reportedly instructed to leave via a specific exit but found the gate locked with combination locks, leading them to scale fences to avoid returning into heavy smoke. Robin Baird, CEO of Cireco Scotland, expressed confidence that all staff were directed along safe escape routes. He also stated that the investigation into the incident will include a thorough review of how evacuation protocols were implemented

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