Good afternoon all,

In addition to public communications the Council are about to issue I wanted to give you an update on the fire currently burning at the landfill site at Dunbar.

SEPA are the lead agency in respect of regulating the site and have been onsite today, actively assessing the situation along with colleagues from SFRS and ELC Environmental Health Services.  SEPA have confirmed that the site is authorised to dispose of non-hazardous waste. 

Following these assessments a multi-agency Incident Response Group meeting involving key partner agencies including SEPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Lothian, Police Scotland and Council Services was held to discuss and update information on the incident and agree on public messaging.  

While the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to monitor the situation, the fire is ‘under control and being managed by the site operator, though may continue to burn for many days.’

SEPA have ensured the operator is taking all necessary measures and have provided advice and guidance on mitigations, alongside colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

SEPA and the ELC Environmental Health Service will remain on site over the coming days to monitor both the fire and the smoke plume alongside CHEMET reports from Met Office colleagues while Incident Response Group meetings will continue as required.

The current wind direction is blowing the plume of smoke away from main housing areas while general health advice is to keep windows closed and avoid being outside for long periods of time if the smoke is particularly bad.

As all partner agencies monitor the incident the Council will update the social media communications message and I will keep you all updated.

Regards,
Scott

Scott Kennedy

Team Manager – Emergency Planning and Resilience

Protective Services, East Lothian Council,

Penston House, Macmerry Industrial Estate,

East Lothian  EH33 1EX

W: 01620 827247

M: 07920 066099