Coatbridge underground fire burning for six months to be extinguished 'within weeks'

An underground fire that has been smouldering for over six months is expected to be extinguished within weeks.

North Lanarkshire Council has been battling the fire at the coal tip in Coatbridge since July, which has left nearby homes and gardens covered in soot.

The local authority said air quality levels have remained within safe limits, blaming occasions of higher levels of smoke and steam on wet conditions.

They have now confirmed that they are on track to fully extinguish the remaining smouldering area within weeks before beginning the safe remediation and restoration of the embankment area.

Work is also set to begin to dismantle the historic railway structure that has been uncovered, with locals warned to expect increased noise levels.

Fog cannons will continue to operate to suppress dust.

Work is continuing on the Coatbridge fire. North Lanarkshire Council

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Progress on site has continued at pace, and we remain on track to fully extinguish the remaining smouldering area over the next couple of weeks.

“Our immediate priority has always been to safely stop the burning, and as we move towards completing this first phase, we are now turning our attention to the next stage, which is the safe remediation, restoration and future management of the embankment area.

“Plans and discussions for this next phase are already progressing, and we will keep residents living adjacent to the embankment fully informed as work to restore the area moves forward.

“Further investigations of the site will also be carried out to help us better understand the wider area. Ongoing geotechnical analysis of the excavated material has shown it to be consistent with colliery spoil.

“Air quality monitoring will continue and remains in line with expectations.”