Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) were called to a fire at Biowise on Albion Lane, Willerby at 07.21hrs on 18 January 2016.
Between 250 and 500 tonnes of recycled compost was on fire at the site which presented no risk to life or discomfort to local residents due to smoke or odour. Working with the site operators and the Environment Agency, the fire was tackled throughout the day using two engines and an Aerial Ladder Platform backed up by a Water Support Unit.
Due to the nature of the materials involved, the compost has reignited on numerous occasions since and crews have been tackling the fire again since first light on Tuesday 19 January. Following a multi-agency discussion at 2.00pm today on the most suitable course of action, including the environmental impacts of the continued application of water, it has been agreed that HFRS will scale down their operation and allow a controlled burn of the affected compost. Site operators will continue to assist by spreading the materials and controlling the fire breaks.
The fire is estimated to continue to burn on this rural site for a few days and possibly into next week, but the public need not be concerned by the low levels of smoke emanating from the site.