Fife waste facility fire continues for over a week as smoke warnings issued for residents
Firefighters continue to battle a blaze at a waste site in Fife more than a week after it first ignited, with operations expected to continue for an extended period. Teams have been at the landfill near Ladybank since the alarm was raised at 13.35 on May 12.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) described the incident as “complex and protracted” due to the “deep nature” of the fire and the large volume of material involved.
While the fire is currently under control, as of 6.30 am on Wednesday, the number of fire trucks, which consisted of 12 fire trucks and expert sources during the peak of the incident, decreased to 3.
Residents in surrounding areas are warned that smoke from the fire could travel a “significant distance” depending on wind direction and weather conditions. SFRS advises people to limit their time outdoors where smoke is present, keep windows and doors closed and stay indoors if possible.
Area Commander Lee Turnock, local senior officer for Clackmannanshire, Fife and Stirling, reiterated the challenges: “Whilst the fire is now under control, this remains a complex and protracted incident due to the deep-rooted nature of the fire and the volume of material involved.”
He added: “While firefighters work to extinguish fire areas, people in the area may continue to notice smoke coming from the area. We ask residents to follow public safety advice, including keeping windows and doors closed and limiting time spent outside where smoke is present.”
Commander Turnock also thanked the local community for their “patience, understanding and support”.
Fife Council last week said the waste transfer and processing plant remained closed while emergency services dealt with the incident.
The council said: “We understand this is a worrying incident for local residents and an inconvenience for people traveling in the area or attempting to use the Ladybank Recycling Centre.
“Smoke is still coming from the construction site” fire Once contained, residents should continue to keep windows and doors closed if they see or smell smoke.
“Litter collections are currently continuing as planned and people should continue to present bins and large items as normal.
“The domestic waste recycling center on the site is closed due to fire. fire and will remain so as long as firefighting activity continues.
“However, the Ladybank Recycling Center site is unaffected and will reopen as soon as possible. fire “Closed and safe access will be restored.”
The fire, which involved recycled materials and waste, spread to an area measuring approximately 200 m x 300 m. No casualties were reported.
