Emergency services are on-site containing a blaze at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre in Wyrallah Road.
Lismore City council sent out a media release early this morning as a warning to residents who live near the facility, asking locals to stay indoors today as a fire that was discovered in the early hours of this morning, continues to burn.
The fire is burning in green waste piles and the Materials Recovery Facility where plastics are processed.
Smoke could potentially be harmful to people with respiratory or lung problems, and residents within the area that can smell or see smoke are urged to stay indoors with windows and doors closed or use a respirator if going outside.
Residents should turn off heating and cooling systems if these draw air from outside.
The current windy conditions are causing the smoke to be blown in an easterly direction at present. People with pre-existing health problems, heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and older people are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
People with asthma who can see or smell smoke can collect free respirators at the Bunnings trade desk by showing ID with a residential address within or around Lismore.
Community members are advised to avoid the area if possible.
Fire crews are working to contain the blaze within the Materials Recovery Facility immediately. Fire crews have advised that the fire could smoulder for up to a week within the green waste piles.
The Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre is closed until further notice.
Council says they will provide an update at 9am on Monday, 12 August or as the situation changes.
MONDAY 12th August
We live up up in Goonellabah. I wasn’t aware of this situation till I smelt smoke when putting washing out this morn. I initially thought it was a neighbour’s combustion stove, then as it grew stronger, maybe a bushfire. I could suddenly smell toxic fumes. My partner told me he’d seen news in the Echo on-line about the tip fire. I’ve taken the washing in & shut all doors & windows. The smell is quite overpowering. My throat is burning & I’m using my asthma puffer.
Be careful all you wonderful firies!!
Same here. Up in Goonellabah too. My husband works near bunnings so im getting him to pick up respirators just in case. Me and 2 of our kids are asthmatic and only just getting over the flu. Last thing we need ? hopefully its contained soon and all involved stay safe.
Good one how could this have happened
We have the best practises in place and the green waste has ignited the plastics
We are not allowed to have onsite incinerators at our residence if we due burn off at home we can be fined
Yet the council has this happen
what a joke Lismore city Council
No wonder you want to put the rates up to pay for massive blunders like this
What next
Thank you to LCC for the free respirators!
Keep up the good work ?