Agencies are continuing to update the community following a fire at Hathernware Industrial Estate in Sutton Bonington on April 15 to support the recovery phase, manage any remaining risks and minimise disruption to the local community.
A multi-agency coordination group is continuing to oversee the recovery phase of this incident. Partners including Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, the Environment Agency, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, UK Health Security Agency, Network Rail, and members of the Local Resilience Forum are working closely together.
Firefighting operations concluded on April 25 and fire crews were out in the community on April 26 providing fire safety advice and reassurance to local residents.
All agencies thank the community and business owners for their patience and cooperation and understand the significant effects it has had on local residents and businesses.
They suggest following this advice:
- Health: If you are affected by the effects of the smoke in any way or feel unwell, call 111 or seek medical advice from your GP.
- A dedicated air quality cell was set-up by experts, from UKHSA and the Environment Agency, to carry out a risk assessment which found the risk to public health was deemed to be low with advice to shelter in place provided.
- Air quality monitoring was not considered necessary given the nature of the fire. Although the smoke was expected to contain products of combustion that could cause temporary respiratory irritation, no long‑term health effects are anticipated.
- Breathing in smoke is not expected to result in long‑term health problems. During prolonged fire incidents, the levels of substances present in the smoke are often below those that would pose an immediate risk to health. However, some people may still experience discomfort or short‑term health effects. It is important to note that these temporary effects do not indicate that long‑term health impacts are likely.
- Individuals who are generally fit and well are unlikely to experience long-term health problems from temporary exposure to smoke from a fire.
- If any fruits and vegetables in the garden have been covered by a sooty deposit, please wash them thoroughly and peel them before they are eaten.
Smoke: Smoke issues in your home following the fire? Soot can be removed from fabrics and other surfaces using a vacuum cleaner with a high quality filter – use the open vacuum pipe rather than a brush. Smoke odour and soot can be washed from clothing. The following formula will often work for clothing that can be bleached 4 – 6 tablespoons of Tri-Sodium phosphate. 1 cup of household chlorine bleach such as Domestos or similar and 1 gallon of warm water. Mix well, add clothes, rinse with water and dry well.
- If your house still smells of smoke now the fire is out, open windows and doors to ventilate your property.
Damage/insurance: The British Red Cross Fire offers free practical help and advice to help people who have suffered damage to their homes following a fire including insurance advice. You can telephone Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service on 0115 838 8100 and ask to refer you.
Further information following the fire:
- The Environment Agency is engaging with the site owner and tenants and conducting an investigation. It was handed back to them after fire operations finished on April 25.
- Planning matters are currently being investigated. It is the responsibility of the tenants to dispose of the waste in accordance with Environment Agency guidance.
- The agencies are aware the incident is the second time a fire has occurred in the last eight years and agencies will continue to monitor the site in line with the investigation.
- The agencies will continue to liaise with Rushcliffe Borough Council ward member Cllr Matt Barney and Rushcliffe MP James Naish as the investigation continues.
Questions? Please email envhealth@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 981 9911.
