One of the key concerns over the last two weeks has been what is actually burning in the fire at Oak Hill Farm, Slitting Mill.
Unfortunately, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue have now found the presence of asbestos whilst excavating the waste material that is burning.
I would like to reassure residents that I have been in constant contact with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and partner agencies, such as the local councils, the Environment Agency and Public Health England in terms of the need to monitor the situation carefully and provide information to the public about any risks associated with this.
Please see below a Statement and Frequently Asked Questions from all of the relevant organisations which provides information relating to the situation and the implications of this discovery.
I want to stress that my primary concern and pirority is the local community. I am ensuring that all of your concerns are being voiced and I will continue to hold everyone to account and ensure the best interests of the local community are heard loud and clear.
I also re-iterated today to all of the agencies involved the need to take tough and robust action over a situation that was allowed to develop over a significant period of time.
As ever, as more information becomes available I will provide updates. If you would like to be included in my update list please email me at [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE ISSUES ON BEHALF OF PARTNER AGENCIES
A public meeting took place at Rugeley Fire Station last night to reassure residents about the fire at Oak Farm.
Officers from leading agencies – Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Public Health England, Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire County Council and the Environment Agency attended to answer questions from concerned residents about the fire and its current position.
A key issued raised was around the type of waste material burning as local residents were speculating that asbestos waste was present. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service can now confirm today that asbestos has been found on the site.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said: “We can confirm that a small amount of boarding was found at the site and tests have identified it as cement asbestos boarding. We are currently reviewing operational tactics and we will continue to work closely with our partners at Public Health England and the Environment Agency to monitor and assess the situation.”
Cannock Chase Council in conjunction with Staffordshire County Council are engaging the services of a specialist asbestos consultants to undertake monitoring at the site perimeter, which will give an indication of the worst case scenario in relation to the presence of asbestos in the smoke.
Following the discovery Public Health England (PHE) has carried out an early public health risk assessment of the situation.
Dr David Kirrage, Deputy Director, Health Protection at PHE West Midlands said: “Our experience from similar fires suggests that the likely public exposure from the Oak Farm fire will be very low and asbestos fibres are unlikely to be readily released into the smoke plume from asbestos containing material. This is particularly the case for asbestos cement which is the type of asbestos discovered at Oak Tree Farm but also applies to other types of asbestos containing material.
Dr Kirrage added: “It is also important for local residents to know that the fire is of relatively low intensity, which would also tend to limit the amount of fibers released into the atmosphere. It is also likely the material is damped as a consequence of firefighting activities. If there was a significant amount of asbestos containing material discovered most of the risk to human health would be restricted to the immediate surrounding area where specialist clean-up operations would be required to safely dispose of the material.”
Staffordshire County Council have confirmed that schools in both Rugeley and Hednesford have been sent Public Health England (PHE) information. No schools have been advised to close.
FAQ
Public Health England (PHE) risk assessment following discovery of asbestos in fire at Oak Tree Farm, Rugeley
PHE have issued this response to local residents who might be concerned about today’s announcement by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service that some material containing asbestos has been found at the scene of the fire
Is there asbestos in the smoke plume?
Since the presence of asbestos was confirmed this morning (Tuesday 20th September) by Staffs Fire and Rescue Service, Public Health England has carried out an early health risk assessment of the situation.
Experience from similar fires suggests that the likely public exposure will be very low and asbestos fibres are unlikely to be readily released into the smoke plume from asbestos containing material (ACM).
This is particularly the case for asbestos cement which is the type of asbestos discovered at Oak Tree Farm but also applies to other types of ACM. Secondly, the fire is of relatively low intensity which would also tend to limit the amount of fibres released into the atmosphere. Thirdly, the material has been damped as a consequence of firefighting activities to date.
If there was a significant amount of ACM discovered most of the risk to human health would be restricted to the immediate surrounding area where specialist clean-up operations would be required to safely dispose of the material.
What about the risk to schoolchildren and other members of the public?
We know that local schools are sited sufficiently far away to avoid exposure to any asbestos fibres that could be carried in the smoke. We also know that asbestos fibres are likely to be mainly fixed within the fabric of the material and hence few fibres will be liberated to the air. This means that schools and towns such as Rugeley or villages such as Brereton are very unlikely to be exposed to significant levels of asbestos. The main risk to human health from this source comes from close contact with loose or damaged material at the site of the fire which is why a specialist clean-up operation will be needed.
Has the public health advice changed as a result of the discovery of asbestos?
No, the same advice holds. That is, to stay out of the smoke if it is present and remain inside with doors and windows closed. This advice guards against short term effects of smoke inhalation that can cause coughing and lung irritation, and also any potential for asbestos exposure.
Is further air quality monitoring equipment needed to test the plume?
There is air quality monitoring equipment due to be installed by the Cannock Chase Council. From its experience of similar fires involving Asbestos over recent years, PHE has a good knowledge of the scientific evidence about the content of these smoke plumes from its experience of similar fires involving asbestos over recent years.
What is the danger of asbestos?
Asbestos is only a risk to health if asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in. To encounter any long term health effects from asbestos, a direct exposure by inhaling asbestos fibres would have needed to have taken place over a long period of time. Breathing in air containing asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases, including cancers of the lungs and chest lining. There is evidence to show that breathing in large quantities of asbestos over a long period of time (such as in an occupational setting) mainly affects the lungs and in some cases it can cause a cancer of the lining of the lung called Mesothelioma; it can also cause lung cancer. Residents should be assured that none of the circumstances described above relate to this fire.