We are working on a multi agency basis with the police, fire and rescue service, Natural Resources Wales and Public Health Wales in relation to the fire at Kronospan.

The fire is under control however the nature of it is such that it will continue to smoulder for some time.

We are aware that residents may be concerned about the effects of the smoke but can provide reassurance that, whilst perhaps unpleasant, the smoke is resulting from raw timber burning and is not related to the plant itself.

Air quality will continue to be monitored due to the prolonged nature of the incident. Public Protection Officers have been in Chirk monitoring the smoke plume since the incident was notified to them. Schools have been contacted by our Corporate Health and Safety staff and appropriate advice given. We will continue to stay in touch with all partners directly involved with the incident and community organisations

In the meantime the advice from Public Health Wales remains the same:

“If you are in a place affected by smoke, stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed when affected by the smoke, but open them again to air your home when the smoke passes. If you need to be outdoors, avoid areas affected by smoke or ash, or limit the time you spend in them. Motorists who have travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

Smoke can irritate airways, the skin and the eyes leading to coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. This can also mean that problems such as asthma get worse; people with asthma should carry their inhaler with them at all times.

Odours associated with fires can cause annoyance, stress and anxiety, nausea, headaches or dizziness. These are common reactions to odours, rather than to the substances that cause the smell. We are able to detect odours at levels that are much lower than can cause harm to health.

Anyone concerned about their symptoms should contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. The symptoms usually disappear quickly and should not lead to long term health problems."