Dunbar landfill fire dubbed 'environmental disaster' by worried locals

The fire started on Monday afternoon at the site operated by Valencia Waste Management and has continued to burn for a number of days.

READ MORE: Dunbar: Residents urged to shut windows as landfill fire still burning

Yesterday (Wednesday) evening, a change in wind direction cause the plumes of smoke from the site to be blown towards Dunbar and residents woke up to a low lying haar-like haze in the town centre.

A strong plastic smell also took over the town, with many worrying about the potential negative health effects of the smoke – with some calling it an "environmental disaster".

READ MORE: Dunbar landfill fire: Smoke from waste site hits town

Bea Taylor, owner of Flux on Dunbar High Street, said the fumes were "stinging" her eyes last night.

She said: “It was bad last night and I live outside of town, about six miles out of town, and I saw the chat online.

“I opened my door and I could smell the plastic fumes.

“It was stinging my eyes and that was away up in the hills so I was quite concerned about coming to work and bringing my children to high school.

“When I dropped them off at the high school, I could smell it but it was not as bad as I thought it might be.

“You could see a layer of yellow, it was like a haar but you could tell it was pollutants hanging over the town and the whole coastline of East Lothian.

“Obviously, you are worried about that.

“I came down to the High Street and the High Street is actually quite clear; I think there is a sea breeze pushing it back.

“There is a bit of a smell but I have got my door open today and I thought I would have my door shut.”

This morning (Thursday), East Lothian Council confirmed that schools in the vicinity were taking measure to protect pupils – keeping them inside at break times and keeping windows closed.

READ MORE: Dunbar landfill fire: Schools to keep pupils inside to avoid smoke

SEPA and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to attend the site and are monitoring the situation.

They have advised that the fire is "under control and being managed by the site operator" however a plume of smoke will continue to be evident.

Roxy Ambrozevich, shop assistant at Mini Flux on Dunbar High Street, said she had to put her jacket over her head when going to her car this morning.

She said: "When I got in my car I had to circulate the air. It's ridiculous.

"You can smell it and you know you shouldn't be breathing that in.

"If I was in Innerwick, there is no way I would let my kids go to school there. That's a real concern for health.

"It [the landfill] looked like it was getting too high. I am sure there is a height limit.

"It's an environmental disaster."

Other businesses have shared their grave concerns on what effects the ongoing fire would have on their trade.

Colin G. Cairns Ford, of Belhaven Bikes, is a member of Dunbar Trades’ Association and said the smoke was a worry.

He said: “It is a concern for businesses, but also for the people in Dunbar in general. We have no idea when this is going to clear.

“We’ve kept our windows and doors shut today and we’ve had quite a few people come in wearing masks.

“The smell is really strong and there is a concern for people’s health.

“We’ve not noticed much of a drop in customers. I just came back from a holiday yesterday so when I saw the smoke coming into Dunbar it was quite a shock.

“It has cleared a bit now but there is obviously a worry it blows back this way.”

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dunbar Community Council, said she believed SEPA investigations would uncover any mismanagement from Valencia Waste Management leading to the fire.

She added: "We were just returning home from up north last night.

"I was aware of the fire but it was a shock to see it covering the hills as we drove in.

"We are being told the fumes are not toxic which is good. I know that was a concern people have had.

"The whole situation is really shocking. I know there will be an investigation into how it started.

"SEPA are carrying out checks and I am sure they will uncover any mismanagement from Valencia which led to the fire if there was any."

East Lothian Council confirmed in a statement this afternoon that soil was now being used to "smother" the ongoing fire and advised people to avoid being outside for long periods/

A spokesperson said: "Current actions by the site operator are to cap or cover the fire with quantities of soil which will smother and so stop oxygen continuing to fuel the fire.

"The resulting plumes of smoke are both visible and with an odour and advice remains to keep windows and doors closed and avoid being outside for long periods of time if the smoke is particularly bad."