Smoke from the blaze which is still burning at FCC Environment’s Aplleford Sidings site near Sutton Courtenay is continuing to plague residents.
The fire began on September 14 and prompted concerns from those in surrounding villages regarding possible toxic fumes being released.
Now though, the UK Heath Security Agency (UKSHA) has issued advice amid the ongoing disturbance to people living nearby.
The UKSHA is advising people to avoid outside areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.
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The fire caused significant damage to the landfill site (Image: Councillor Ian Snowdon)
Symptoms from exposure to smoke may include coughing and wheezing, sore throat, feeling short of breath, and people with asthma who may be in the vicinity of the fire should carry their inhaler and use as prescribed.
If symptoms persist, consider seeking medical advice by calling NHS 111 or by contacting your General Practitioner (GP).
People are also being advised to open windows and ventilate their homes when smoke is not present.
“Work remains focused on safely managing and extinguishing the affected material as quickly as possible.
“Partner agencies will continue to meet regularly to review progress, assess conditions on site and agree any further actions required.
“A coordinated communications approach is also being developed to help ensure residents, local stakeholders and elected members receive clear, consistent and timely information throughout the remainder of the incident.
“Further updates will be provided through FCC Environment, the Environment Agency and Oxfordshire County Council communication channels as the situation progresses.”
Councillor Ian Snowdon said: “Three fires in one year at a site that previously went years without this sort of disruption simply isn’t good enough.
“Residents are sick of the smoke, sick of the smell and, frankly, sick of being expected to just put up with it. We need answers, accountability and action.
“Given what residents have endured this year, I will be strongly opposing any future planning applications seeking to extend or expand this site — our communities have already put up with more than enough.”
The fire caused significant damage to the landfill site (Image: Councillor Ian Snowdon)
An Environment Agency spokesman said of the fire: “Our officers continue to work with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to reduce the environmental effect of a fire at a composting site at Sutton Courtenay.
“The fire has now been contained to a limited area, and with firefighters, are giving advice to the operator on an appropriate response to extinguish it as quickly as possible while minimising the impact of both odour and smoke on local communities.
“As this site is a permitted waste facility, we will follow up with the operator to address any immediate concerns or potential breaches and advise on the removal of waste material.”
Residents are claiming the fire is entering homes even with windows and doors closed, and asthmatics and children are severely impacted by the smoke.
District and county councillor Ian Snowdon said: “Residents should not simply be expected to endure this level of smoke and odour for days on end.
“I will be asking what enforcement action can be taken.”
It comes just two years after the smell coming from the FCC Environmental landfill sparked an investigation, following 130 complaints and the Environment Agency classifying it as a ‘significant odour incident’
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