Incident Update - Port Talbot fire

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) waste regulation officers have today returned to the site of a commercial waste fire at Dock Road, Port Talbot, which occurred on 29 April.

Officers are working closely with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the site remains safe and to minimise any environmental pollution as the incident moves into the recovery phase.

The fire broke out on 29 April, with crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attending, supported by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Mobile air quality monitoring has been deployed overnight and is continuing today to assess the impact of the smoke plume on air quality. 

Mobile monitoring results show that the particulates (PM) concentrations were “moderate” and below a level where the general population would be expected to experience health effects if exposed for 24 hours.

Partner agencies have advised that experience from other fires suggests that while adverse long term health effects cannot be completely ruled out, the risk of this happening are likely to be very low.

The advice remains for local residents and businesses to keep windows and doors closed while smoke is present, reopening them once the smoke has cleared. Anyone who feels unwell is advised to seek appropriate medical advice.