Lismore Council says that emergency services are currently attending a small fire at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore.
The fire is in the steel and construction area at the waste facility and NSW Fire & Rescue and Hazmat are onsite.
The facility has been evacuated and will remain closed until further notice. There were no injuries.
Both the Environment Protection Authority and Work Safe NSW have been advised.
Caution: air pollution
Council encourages people with heart and respiratory conditions in the area to take caution, with air pollution levels in the area affected.
We advise people with asthma to follow their Asthma Action Plan, take relieving medication where necessary and if symptoms get worse, seek medical advice.
Smoke may aggravate existing heart and lung conditions and cause irritated eyes, coughing and wheezing. Stay indoors, close windows and follow your health plan.
To minimise any effects of smoke or air pollution, people should also consider avoiding vigorous exercise, seeking out air-conditioned premises and even consider moving away from the direct path of smoke whilst the fires is still.
For more information on the health impacts of smoke, visit the NSW Health website:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/
When will LCC re-cycle team learn (this is their second fire in 2 yrs) that compost material is likely to self-combust when stored in large heaps ?
It seems people with authority dismiss “Facts” pertaining to “Risk and likely fires” in these Recycle/ Waste Structures. A recent fire in Rockdale, Sydney, was triggered, it is claimed, by a Helium Battery igniting. The fire was so intense, smoke billowing to the Airport, local communities warned to prepare to evacuate, lock all windows and doors to avoid deadly toxic fumes. Indeed, the local Emergency Fire Brigade was insufficient to quell ongoing combustible fires and Fire Brigades from other localities had to be called in the assist. In Byron, the Federal Government has rejected funding for the Bio-Energy Plant proposed for the Residential/Industrial/Bird Sanctuary site. Where is the infrastructure in Byron to assist should there be a fire.?? The Mayor is determined to get funding ‘from other sources ‘ (private Corporations??). We can bet that more shonky Policy Rhetoric will manifest addressing Risk……most serious RISK . ….to businesses, residents, bird life…all in very close proximity to the Bio-Energy Plant, which it to be SITUATED in a small township lacking the infrastructure to ensure safety for all. Yes, compost material DOES self combust. ….and ignorant Authorities must bear responsibility.