A South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue spokesperson told letsrecycle.com today (5 February) that four fire engines were still at the scene and were expected to remain there for the rest of the day and tomorrow, though the fire is said to be under control.
In a statement confirming the incident yesterday, the spokesperson said: “Seven fire crews are currently at a large fire in a disused building on Manor Road in Kiveton Park, Rotherham. Crews were first called at 11.05pm on Monday night.
“The building contains recycling material which is all involved in the fire.
“The roof of the building may contain asbestos; however, the Environment Agency has assessed this and can confirm that there is no risk to the public.
“Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for the next day or two.
“There is a lot of smoke in the Kiveton Park area, so local people are advised to keep their doors and windows closed until the fire is out.
“The cause of the fire is not yet known, and an investigation will take place once the fire is completely out.”
The fire at #KivetonPark is still ongoing.
The number of fire crews have now been reduced to five.
However, due to the large amount of smoke in the area and ongoing firefighting work, people are asked to try and avoid Manor Road in Kiveton Park if possible. pic.twitter.com/fUdQQMbHgH
— South Yorkshire Fire (@SYFR) February 4, 2020
Disused building
The building is estimated to measure 100 metres by 20 metres and the material involved was suggested by the fire service as being mixed plastic waste. However, whether it was material for recycling or for RDF is unclear. [UPDATED 16.37 5 February: The Environment Agency confirmed the material involved was baled mixed waste.]
A local source told letsrecycle.com today (5 February) that the building had been derelict for more than two years and that smoke could still be seen billowing from the fire.
Possible pollution
As well as checking the roof of the building for asbestos, the Environment Agency investigated the possible impact of the fire on neighbouring waterways.
An Environment Agency spokesperson told letsrecycle.com: “Our officers attended the fire at Kiveton Industrial Estate in Sheffield to check possible pollution to the Chesterfield canal.
“The firewater is being well contained and we can confirm that there is no environmental impact from this.”
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