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Burnt depot kept tyres illegally Burnt depot kept tyres illegally
(about 1 hour later)
It is understood that a depot near Londonderry where a fire has been burning since Sunday night was storing tyres illegally.It is understood that a depot near Londonderry where a fire has been burning since Sunday night was storing tyres illegally.
The site in Eglinton, which was sub-let, did not have the licence required by environmental law to store a large number of tyres.The site in Eglinton, which was sub-let, did not have the licence required by environmental law to store a large number of tyres.
Firefighters arriving to tackle the blaze on Sunday found four separate fires across the one-acre site.Firefighters arriving to tackle the blaze on Sunday found four separate fires across the one-acre site.
It is thought as many as half a million tyres were being stored there.It is thought as many as half a million tyres were being stored there.
The BBC understands that before the fire broke out, a criminal investigation was already being held into why so many tyres were being stored there.The BBC understands that before the fire broke out, a criminal investigation was already being held into why so many tyres were being stored there.
A Department of the Environment spokesperson said it was previously aware of the approximate quantity of tyres stored.A Department of the Environment spokesperson said it was previously aware of the approximate quantity of tyres stored.
The spokesperson added that on 14 August, officials served the owners with a notice to clear the site. Some tyres were removed.The spokesperson added that on 14 August, officials served the owners with a notice to clear the site. Some tyres were removed.
Normal procedure dictates that if large amounts of tyres are to be stored, the number is determined within the terms of the planning permission or waste management licence.Normal procedure dictates that if large amounts of tyres are to be stored, the number is determined within the terms of the planning permission or waste management licence.
The onus is on the operator of a site to have the correct licences in place.The onus is on the operator of a site to have the correct licences in place.
Environmental concernsEnvironmental concerns
The fire is believed to be 10 times the size of original estimates and is causing environmental concerns in the area.The fire is believed to be 10 times the size of original estimates and is causing environmental concerns in the area.
The fire is still being tackled by firefighters
Harry Smith from the Fire Service said on Wednesday morning they were "starting to make good progress" against the blaze.Harry Smith from the Fire Service said on Wednesday morning they were "starting to make good progress" against the blaze.
"We have nine appliances here with approximately 50 firefighters, so it's been quite a mammoth task for us to keep that substantial resource on site."We have nine appliances here with approximately 50 firefighters, so it's been quite a mammoth task for us to keep that substantial resource on site.
"We also have a digger which is turning over the tyres, because it's very difficult to get down into the seat of the fire."We also have a digger which is turning over the tyres, because it's very difficult to get down into the seat of the fire.
"It will smoulder for some time, but I expect good progress in the next 12-24 hours," he said."It will smoulder for some time, but I expect good progress in the next 12-24 hours," he said.
The Public Health Agency is advising residents of the area, to stay indoors as much as possible and close all windows, and to reduce the amount of ventilation inside houses.The Public Health Agency is advising residents of the area, to stay indoors as much as possible and close all windows, and to reduce the amount of ventilation inside houses.
It said the toxic fumes from the tyres can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and making eyes water.It said the toxic fumes from the tyres can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and making eyes water.
"I think it's an environmental disaster," SDLP councillor Jim McKeever said."I think it's an environmental disaster," SDLP councillor Jim McKeever said.
"It has to be followed up as to the person who put them here."It has to be followed up as to the person who put them here.
"There has to be some legislation brought into play and there has to be some recompense made.""There has to be some legislation brought into play and there has to be some recompense made."
The operator of the site has been unavailable for comment.The operator of the site has been unavailable for comment.
The owner, who sub-let the site, has declined to comment.The owner, who sub-let the site, has declined to comment.