'Limit time outdoors': Residents issued warning one week on from Ladybank landfill site fire

Residents living near the scene of a fire at a landfill site in Fife have been urged to limit time outdoors one week after the blaze broke out.

Two fire appliances remain in attendance at the Lower Melville Wood site near Ladybank as of Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services were first called to the fire at around 1.30pm on Tuesday, May 12.

At the height of the incident, 12 appliances, 60 firefighters, and specialist resources were dealing with the blaze.

The fire involved recycled material and waste spread across an area measuring approximately 200m by 300m.

Fire crews said operations are expected to continue for some time.

Health advice

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service warned that smoke from the incident may travel a significant distance, depending on weather conditions and wind direction, despite the flames now being under control.

Locals are being urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to the level of smoke in the area.

NHS Fife has advised local residents to limit time outdoors in affected areas where possible and to take care if they see or smell smoke.

A statement read: “These measures help reduce exposure to smoke, which can cause irritation to the eyes and throat, coughing and other symptoms.

“Some people, particularly those with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, may be more affected by smoke. It is important that anyone who relies on inhalers or other medication continues to carry and use these as prescribed.

“Anyone experiencing symptoms as a result of smoke exposure should seek medical advice from local healthcare services as they would ordinarily, or contact NHS 24 on 111.”

The health board said there is no indication of any long-term health effects for the wider public at this stage.

‘Complex incident’

Police Scotland confirmed on Monday that the A92 between Melville Lodges and Ladybank has reopened following the incident.

A temporary speed restriction of 30mph is in place. The access road into the landfill site remains closed.

Area Commander Lee Turnock, local senior officer for Clackmannanshire, Fife, and Stirling area, said: “While the fire is now under control, this remains a complex and protracted incident due to the deep-seated nature of the fire and the volume of material involved.

“People in surrounding areas may continue to notice smoke coming from the site as firefighters carry out damping down pockets of fire.

“We would ask residents to follow public safety advice, including keeping windows and doors closed and limiting time outdoors where smoke is present.”

He continued: “I would also like to thank the local community for their patience, understanding and support while firefighters continue working to make the area safe.”