Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.5°C   S Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Emergency services / Lerwick landfill site goes on fire – again

FIRE fighters from Lerwick, Scalloway, Brae, Bixter and Sandwick are tackling a large underground blaze at the Gremista waste management facility.

Fire fighters tackling the underground blaze at the Lerwick landfill site. Photo: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

A total of seven appliances from across the isles were called to the fire at 5.21am after a passing fishing boat noticed smoke coming from the landfill site and alerted the port authority.

Hours after being tasked they all remain on site apart from the Sumburgh appliances which have been released from duties.

Local fire chief Matt Mason said: “We are tackling a deep-rooted fire that is deep-seated in the landfill site. We are working with two mechanical diggers to lift the debris out and then be able to get to the seat of the fire and try to extinguish it.

“That’s ongoing and we are likely to be her for several hours trying to fully extinguish the fire.”

A spokesperson for Shetland Islands Council said staff are assisting fire and rescue personnel, while water tankers are also on site to assist in the emergency response.

“There are no reports of injuries or any significant damage to property,” he said.

The household waste recycling centre has meanwhile re-opened to the public after it had initially been closed.

The Gremista road, for access to Dales Voe and local premises, including the vaccination centre at the Independent Living Centre, remains open.

In September 2015, it took fire crews more than 24 hours to extinguish an underground fire at the Gremista landfill site when strong winds were blamed for rubbish to ignite.

Smoke could be seen emanating from the landfill site on Wednesday morning.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.