A GARDEN waste blaze which has burned near York since before the New Year is finally out.

The fire at Harewood Whin, Rufforth, caused by the spontaneous combustion of compost, sent a plume of smoke towards York on the prevailing westerly winds, leading to concerns for public health.

Site operators Yorwaste said yesterday that following a review of the site by the Environment Agency and fire brigade, it was pleased to report that the fire at its 'resource recovery centre' was now fully extinguished.

"Since the fire started, we have been following national guidance from Environment Agency on the controlled burn of this type of material," said a spokesman.

"We have remained in regular contact with the Environment Agency and the fire brigade over the course of this incident and we would like to thank them for their ongoing, and valuable, advice and support."

He said that following the incident, Yorwaste had now updated its management systems to prevent any re-occurrence.

"We would like to apologise again to anyone who has been inconvenienced by the fire and to thank local people for their continued patience over the last few weeks," he added.

Yorwaste claimed previously that no toxic fumes had been released by the fire but Public Health England warned that chemicals in the smoke could worsen existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and advised residents in affected areas to keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to limit any exposure.

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy has raised concerns about the blaze with the Environment Agency and a Poppleton resident has also repeatedly claimed that toxins in the smoke had been making his family ill.

He said yesterday he was delighted the fire was now over, as it had continued to affect his family's health until earlier in the week, adding: "I am concerned that the information readily available about the toxins contained in smoke created by burning wood or compost seem to be overlooked by the agencies."


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