We are continuing to monitor an ongoing fire involving agricultural waste on Howbrook Lane, Wortley, on the Sheffield/Barnsley border.
There are no nearby homes or people at risk and the fire is not expected to spread.
Following specialist assessment, partner agencies agreed that the safest approach is to allow the fire to burn, under close monitoring.
Extinguishing it with water would cause polluted run-off into a nearby brook, ponds and a reservoir, this would create a much greater impact on local wildlife and water sources.
The fire may continue to burn for several weeks, during which time we will keep this under review.
We remain in close contact with local partners and will continue to review our tactics if needed.
Advice on smoke
Smoke levels are not expected to increase significantly, but we understand smoke from the fire may cause concern to local residents.
During a fire, smoke can travel in different directions, so your home might not be exposed to smoke the entire time. It’s important to ventilate your home when it’s safe to do so.
If you can’t see or smell smoke, open your windows and doors to let fresh air in from outside and ventilate your home. However, if you smell or see smoke at your property again, this indicates that the smoke has returned. In this situation, stay inside and close all windows and doors.
General health advice in relation to smoke
There are some common health effects from smoke. It is important to remember that the effects of smoke on your health are dependent on concentration and duration of exposure. It is possible that smoke may be a risk to your health if you inhale the smoke. Levels at which odours are detected by an individual are often well below those levels at which harm to health may occur and may only act as a nuisance and/ or anxiety factor rather than impact your physical health.
People who are generally fit and well are unlikely to experience long-term health problems from temporary exposure to smoke from a fire. To minimise your exposure, shelter as much as possible by limiting the amount of time you spend outside in the smoke.
People with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should carry any necessary medication or inhalers with them at all times and seek medical advice if their symptoms worsen, by contacting their GP or NHS 111.