Air quality monitors deployed as major Port Talbot fire enters ‘controlled phase’

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Neath Port Talbot Council have released an update on the huge commercial waste fire

Fire crews will remain at the scene on Dock Road, Port Talbot for the “foreseeable future”

• Neath Port Talbot Council says the commercial waste fire in Port Talbot is now moving into a “controlled phase” and is being de-escalated.
• Fire crews have been at the scene since around 3.36pm yesterday (Wednesday, April 29). According to the council they will remain there for the foreseeable future to continue damping down and dealing with any remaining hotspots, with support from Neath Port Talbot Council JCB teams.
• It was further confirmed that air quality monitoring has been carried out throughout the day in areas affected by the smoke plume to assess any impact and help protect public health.
• Residents and businesses are still being advised to keep doors and windows closed while smoke is present, and to reopen them once it has cleared. Anyone who feels unwell is being urged to seek medical advice.
• Fire and rescue services will support the move into the recovery phase, working closely with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to keep the site safe and minimise any further environmental or community impact.
• NRW officers have reportedly been on site all day providing specialist advice to fire crews and the site operator. Monitoring of the nearby River Afan has confirmed there has been no pollution entering the river from firefighting water run-off.
• Both the A4241 Afan Way dual carriageway and the Afan Way/Water Street westbound carriageway have now reopened. However, the adjacent footpath and cycleway remain closed.

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