'Major incident' declared in Wigan as 'illegal waste' fire rages for days

A major incident has been declared after a major fire spread at an "illegal waste" dump in Wigan.

More than 25,000 tonnes of rubbish, including hazardous materials, continue to burn at the tip, with the former scrapyard used as an illicit rubbish dump. The fire started burning through thousands of tonnes of illegal waste in Wigan last Tuesday. Firefighters raced to the scene and urged people living close to the blaze to keep their windows and doors closed.

Emergency services have remained on the scene eight days after the fire erupted, with smoke still smouldering, posing a health risk to those living nearby. Firefighters are using machinery to move the waste and continue dampening hotspots, reports Manchester Evening News.

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The former scrapyard has recently been used as an illegal rubbish dump and has been covered in vehicles, tyres and thousands of binbags containing waste.

Wigan Council, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and United Utilities are working together to keep the fire under control.

Coun Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for police, crime and civil contingencies at Wigan Council, issued a statement tonight. It read: “I’d like to thank our teams who have worked around the clock all week to support the fire service respond effectively to this incident.

"Our teams have maintained a visible presence in surrounding neighbourhoods, delivering leaflets, door-knocking residents, and providing additional support to vulnerable residents. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to local residents, businesses and community groups for their patience and cooperation.”

Last week, MP for Makerfield, Josh Simons, said he chaired an emergency meeting with police, the fire service and local council over the issue, and said he was 'p***ed off' that the blaze had been allowed to occur, despite repeated attempts at trying to get the area cleared of the waste and voicing the concerns of nearby residents.

"I've been flagging it for months and I've been asking for timelines and not always got them," he said in a social media video. "I am p***ed off that this has happened. You are too. And we are going to get answers."

He went on: "I'm pleased to have got different agencies working together, and now I'm pushing for a tactical coordination group, so we can get the funding together to remove the waste and get it sorted as soon as possible. Criminal investigations are ongoing and in the meantime, I won't stop pushing for action."