People and business in near Weedon are being advised to follow public health guidance issued today after the recent fire at the Cavalry Hill Industrial Park.
Fires experts said the blaze at Quality Nut Products Ltd will continue to burn under controlled conditions for up to a week, with Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue in attendance.
The factory unit, which contains around 500 tonnes of bird seed, including niger seed, sunflower hearts and oil type seed including peanuts, is deemed to be an unsafe structure.
The fire and rescue service will continue to have a watching brief, maintaining a presence at the scene for the duration of the blaze.
A spokesman for Daventry District Council said: “Smoke from the fire is likely to last over the next week and although the health risk to local people is small, as all smoke is an irritant it can make people’s eyes and throats sore.
“Members of the public are advised to avoid being exposed to the smoke to prevent irritation. Residents located in areas affected by the smoke are recommended to stay indoors with the doors and windows closed until the smoke has passed. This is particularly important for people with existing respiratory problems.
“Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off any air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.
“It is always advisable that people with existing respiratory conditions should carry and use their medication, such as inhalers.”
The general advice is always, that people should try to remain out of the smoke as much as possible. If symptoms occur, people should seek medical advice or call NHS 111.
Working alongside fire and rescue crews, the situation is being closely monitored by public protection agencies including Public Health England, Daventry District Council’s Environmental Health Team, Northamptonshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Team and the Environment Agency.
The business owners are also co-operating fully with the agencies involved.
Maria Taylor, Daventry District Council’s community manager with responsibility for environmental health at the authority, said: “The building is currently deemed to be in a dangerous condition and fire crews are unlikely to be able to gain access until early next week.
“Until they can do so the fire is being allowed to burn in controlled conditions, but this will mean smoke will continue to be produced. We would urge people in the area to follow the public health guidance.”