Advice for areas that could be affected by smoke from Telford recycling centre fire

Shropshire residents are being advised that smoke from a major fire at a recycling centre off the M54 in Telford may affect some homes in the county.

Conditions could see some homes and businesses west of the Wrekin around Eaton Constantine, Upper Longwood, Garmston and Leighton affected by lower concentrations of smoke from the fire, which is expected to continue burning for some time.

Public Health England’s advice for anyone who is affected by smoke from the fire is as follows:

Any smoke can irritate airways, skin and eyes and cause coughing, wheezing breathlessness and chest pain. Chemicals in smoke can also worsen health problems like asthma and heart conditions so people, should carry their medication if they are in areas affected by the smoke. Chemicals in the smoke can worsen existing health problems like asthma. People with asthma should carry their inhaler. If symptoms occur, people should seek medical advice or call NHS 111.

People in areas affected by smoke should stay indoors and keep doors and windows shut, while motorists travelling through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep air vents closed. If people need to be outdoors, they should limit time spent in areas affected by smoke and ash.

The fire is also due to see the M54 eastbound close tonight (Wednesday 28 April 2021) between 9pm and 6am between junctions 7 and 5.

As the fire is likely to take some time to put out, we will update information as appropriate.