Dunbar landfill fire still burning three days later with smoke inhalation warning amid wind direction forecast

Fire crews remain on the scene of a blaze at a landfill site in East Lothian almost three days after the area ignited.

Residents in Dunbar have been urged to keep windows and doors closed while Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) responders continue to dampen the smouldering mass of waste.

With the potential for a change in wind direction over the next 24 hours, the thick plume of smoke still visible could be blown towards homes presenting the risk of smoke inhalation.

Crews initially rushed to the scene on Monday afternoon at around 1.40pm, but were still battling against a wall of flames on Tuesday morning.

Those travelling through smoke in vehicles have been told to keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep air vents shut.

Station commander Rick Stark, who is managing the incident, said it is now “smouldering underground” but warned it could be several days before it is fully extinguished.

He also thanked the public for their concern, though urged it did not need to be reported to the service again.

“The rubbish fire affecting a significant area of landfill is continuing to smoulder underground,” he said.

“A fire break has been created to control the spread however the smouldering could continue for a number of days yet.

“We are working with partner agencies to minimise the disruption to the local community and to keep people updated.”