Further update on the fire at Desborough Airfield

Following a large-scale fire at Desborough Airfield, near Stoke Albany, shortly before 8.30pm on Thursday, March 20, our crews continue to remain on site to monitor the controlled burn and resultant smoke plume.

Due to the partial collapse of the building, which housed thousands of tonnes of carpet waste, crews have been hindered by the limited access, but today (Sunday, March 23) firefighters will be attempting to extinguish the final two pockets of fire.

We still anticipate that the fire will continue to smoulder for several days, and that there will continue to be smoke drifting in and around the area, and therefore the advice remains the same for those affected.

Residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed if affected by the drift of smoke but once it has passed, people are asked to ventilate their homes to ensure that any lingering odours disappear.

Any smoke can be an irritant the lining of the air passages, the skin, and the eyes, if people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid outside areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.

To minimise your exposure, shelter as much as possible by limiting the amount of time you spend outside in the smoke. People with asthma who may be in the vicinity of the fire should carry their inhaler.

People who are generally fit and well are unlikely to experience long-term health problems from temporary exposure to smoke from a fire. However, exposure to smoke is more likely to affect people who have existing breathing problems, lung, or heart conditions as well as the very young and older adults, and smokers.

Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, sputum (phlegm) production and chest pain, should seek medical advice or call NHS 111. Or in a case of an emergency call 999.

If symptoms persist seek medical advice by contacting your General Practitioner (GP) or if a medical consultant is already treating an existing health condition, discuss your concerns and symptoms with them.