Rugeley farm blaze: Experts bought in to fight two-week long inferno
Firefighters tackling a two-week long blaze at a Staffordshire farm have turned to new technology in their bid to control the flames.
It involves around 1,000 tons of wood waste, making it difficult for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue to put out.
A spokesman said the fire crews were making 'reasonable progress'.
Firefighters have been using an additive called F-500 Encapsulator Agent, which reduces the need for water and cools the flames.
And the service have also acquired the help of a national expert in waste fires to support the ongoing situation at Oak Tree Farm.
Assistant chief fire officer Mark Andrews from East Sussex – the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) lead on dealing with waste fires – has been called in.
Mr Barber said: "Following the consultation with Mark at the site this morning we have taken steps to explore using alternative approaches which should enable us to resolve the situation in a more expedient manner.
"Our primary concern is the safety of the public and the environment and although we have been proactive in dealing with the situation at Oak Tree Farm, our options have been limited."
Working with the Environment Agency, firefighters have been working to control the fire.
By not dosing it with water they hope to avoid causing smoke disturbance to nearby residents and pollution.
A digger is also being used in an attempt to extinguish the blaze.
Public Health England advises that it's important that local residents understand that the risks to their health are low, however smoke is an irritant so it can make people's eyes and throat sore.
The general advice remains that people should do all they can to stay out of the smoke.
Mr Hyde added: "We acknowledge the frustration and concerns of the public but would assure them that the normal techniques we would apply in such circumstances could cause issues for other partners." Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling has demanded the fire be put out as soon as possible.
A public meeting took place at Rugeley Community Fire Station yesterday at 7pm for residents to get the latest updates and to ask any questions they may have had.
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue added: "We are making reasonable progress. Both the fire service and Environment Agency are happy with the progress at the site – the fire is well alight and it is slow progress.
"We are using a managed burn approach. If you are affected by the smoke you should stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed. Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.
"If you can no longer smell or see any smoke you should open windows and doors to ventilate your house; if you see or smell the smoke return remember to go inside and close all windows and doors."
