We Are Sick of Awful Fumes from Waste Site Fires

‘We Are Sick of Awful Fumes from Waste Site Fires’

 

Residents and business owners near a derelict warehouse in Salisbury, Lancashire, say they are at their wits’ end after enduring years of repeated fires at the site—blazes that bring with them thick, choking fumes and fears for public health.

 

The warehouse, formerly occupied by V10 Polymers, has stood abandoned for years and has become the scene of frequent and mysterious fires. Despite ongoing complaints and multiple emergency responses, no lasting action has been taken to address the issue, leaving locals increasingly frustrated and worried.

 

“This has been going on for over seven years, and nothing changes,” said Sarah Whitlow, landlady of The Railway Arms, a popular pub located just a few hundred metres from the warehouse. “People are absolutely sick of it. Every time it happens, the pub fills with smoke, and we’re forced to close the doors and windows—even in the middle of summer. The smell is unbearable, and our customers complain constantly.”

 

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has attended the scene multiple times, including a significant incident earlier this year where aerial units and fire hoses were deployed to control the flames. Drone footage released by the service showed black plumes of smoke billowing over the town as crews fought to contain the blaze.

 

Despite these efforts, the fires keep returning.

 

“It’s not just about the smell—it’s about what we’re breathing in,” said Sarah. “You see that dark smoke and wonder what kind of chemicals are in there. Are we going to find out in ten years that it’s done us all harm?”

 

The site has reportedly become a dumping ground for waste materials, and with no active management or proper security, it has become a magnet for fly-tipping and suspected arson.

 

Residents have raised the issue repeatedly with local authorities, but little progress has been made in securing or cleaning up the property.

 

“I’ve lost count of how many times people have complained,” said one local resident, who asked not to be named. “The council say they’re working on it, but we’ve been hearing that for years. How many more fires does it take before something is actually done?”

 

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that it is working with partners including the Environment Agency and local council to investigate the source of the fires and reduce the risk of future incidents. However, the root cause—unauthorised access and the build-up of flammable waste—remains unresolved.

 

Councillors have pledged to push for stronger action, including enforcement measures to ensure the site is properly secured or cleared, but residents say they’ve heard it all before.

 

“It’s the same promises every time,” Sarah added. “Meanwhile, we’re the ones coughing, closing our businesses, and living in fear of the next fire. Enough is enough.”

 

As smoke continues to cloud Salisbury’s skyline, locals say they are no longer content with reassurances—they want action, and they want it now.

Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk