A fire that broke out at a landfill facility in Oxfordshire the previous week continued to generate airborne pollution affecting local households, according to reports from the area.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received notification of the emergency at 2.18pm.
The incident occurred at Appleford Sidings in Sutton Courtney, near Abingdon.
Four fire engines dispatched from Didcot, Abingdon, Rewley Road and the Slade stations attended the scene on September 14.
Crews tackled what was described as a substantial blaze involving a mound of refuse at the FCC Sutton Courtenay landfill facility.
Emergency personnel advised surrounding residents to remain calm and stated that no special precautions regarding ventilation were being recommended at that time.
Nearly seven days after the initial response, community members reported persistent atmospheric contamination and noxious odour lingering in the vicinity.
Local inhabitants alleged that smoke had penetrated interior spaces despite sealed windows and exterior doors.
Those with respiratory conditions and young people were said to be particularly vulnerable to the airborne contaminants.
One resident commented that it seemed improbable that the combustion of organic matter over multiple days would not emit hazardous substances and fine particles into the atmosphere.
Ian Snowdon, a district and county councillor, expressed that local people should not be expected to tolerate such prolonged exposure to smoke and malodour.
He indicated that he would seek information regarding potential regulatory measures.
This situation follows an inquiry launched two years prior into odours emanating from the FCC Environmental landfill site, prompted by 130 formal complaints and the Environment Agency’s designation of the matter as a significant odour event.
Olly Glover, the Member of Parliament representing Didcot and Wantage, had recently contacted the operating company responsible for the facility situated between Appleford and Sutton Courtenay.
His communication followed a marked surge in grievances from residents regarding noxious smells originating from the operation.
In correspondence with the company, Mr Glover noted that the unpleasant odour had been evident for an extended period and acknowledged that this represented an ongoing rather than novel problem.
He explained that inhabitants had previously received assurances that corrective steps were being implemented, encompassing the extraction and treatment of leachate, the installation of engineered barriers, and enhanced surveillance both within and beyond the site boundaries.
He expressed concern that, despite these undertakings, residents were once again reporting intolerable smells.
In a combined communication, the Environment Agency, FCC Environment and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service indicated that the situation remained under close observation and that coordinated efforts were underway to resolve the incident with maximum safety and effectiveness.
The guidance advised that, although atmospheric contamination remained observable in the region, individuals should minimise extended time outdoors where feasible and seal entry points should smoke be present in their immediate surroundings.