'Fire from burning rubbish looks like a war zone'

9 hours ago

Maisie Lillywhite,Gloucestershireand

Danielle Hunt,Gloucestershire

News image — Residents living nearby Tetbury Industrial Estate said fires producing black smoke have been burning since 13 January

BBC Image of the back of what looks like a farming estate, with black smoke billowing above the buildings. Just above some of the far-away buildings, the smoke is orange. — Residents living nearby Tetbury Industrial Estate said fires producing black smoke have been burning since 13 January

A series of fires at an industrial estate, that burned for more than a week, has made the area feel like a 'warzone', according to local residents.

Cotswold District Council issued a fixed penalty notice to Tetbury Industrial Estate after residents reported black smoke moving across their properties from a fire on the property.

Residents reported the fire on the 13 January and claim the smoke is affecting their health. They say the fire brigade are unable to help as it is "a controlled burn".

Gloucestershire Fire Service attended the fire on eight occasions and said it was not one continuously burning fire. Tetbury Industrial Estate have been approached for comment.

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Cotswold District Council told the BBC that council officers visited Tetbury Industrial Estate multiple times over the week and have issued the owner of the site with a fixed penalty notice and a nuisance abatement notice, which the council said are all the actions available to it at this stage.

Image shows a horizon blocked with black smoke and the sun trying to burn through. — One resident told the BBC the smoke it "horrendous" and affecting her family's health

The BBC have visited the area and spoke to various residents - all who wish to remain anonymous.

One woman said she was driving back from work one evening and "the whole sky was red".

She said the fires seem to be "on and off", with machinery being used to clear the fire debris in the day and then the area "lights up" in the evening.

'We feel helpless'

She added that the fire service have said nothing can be done as the fire is a controlled burn.

"We feel helpless, we don't have a voice," she said. "Apparently these fires are normal, controlled, legal, but our health is suffering."

Another resident said this is not only affecting people living right next to the estate, but a nearby nursery and care home.

She said: "The kids can't go out at the nursery, when they're there they have to keep them inside which isn't fair on them, and at the care home they have to keep all their windows shut."

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it first received reports of fire on the 12 January and attended on eight occasions.

It added it was not one continuously burning fire and it remains in contact with partner agencies like the council and will continue to support them as needed.

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