Large wood fire continues to burn in Newark

A fire involving 4,000 tonnes of wood continues to burn in Newark more than 24 hours after it started.

At it's height yesterday, much of Newark was enveloped by dense palls of smoke.

Firefighters continue to pour water on to the fire at an edge-of-town reclamation and recycling yard on Trent Lane which was discovered at 1.30am yesterday.

The site borders the East Coast Main Line and A46 relief road. Neither has so far been affected although firefighters are monitoring for any change in wind direction.

No homes have been evacuated but firefighters are advising that windows and doors be kept closed in the most affected areas.

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue said the Health Protection Agency did not expect there to be any long term health effects as a result of the fire but that smoke was an irritant and could cause soreness in the eyes and throat.

She said people with existing respiratory problems such as asthma could also be effected by the smoke and advised sufferers to take any medication with them.

She said people should do all they could to stay out of the smoke and if they were concerned to stay inside with the doors and windows closed.

Drivers were told to slow down when driving through the smoke, to keep their windows and air vents closed and to use the car's headlights.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but may be arson.

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