Tenterfield’s Graham Foan says a number of residents became ill following last week’s fire at the Tenterfield Waste Transfer Station.
Story: Rebecca Brown
Tenterfield’s Graham Foan says a number of residents became ill following last week’s fire at the Tenterfield Waste Transfer Station.Mr Foan, who lives only five kilometres from the facility, said there were some people who had suffered with watery eyes and coughing as a result of the smoke that came from the fire.He said the smoke haze could be seen in Tenterfield for a number of days.“We’ve got a stench coming across town every time there’s a wind change. The smoke is starting to come through the town,” Mr Foan told the Southern Free Times last week.Tenterfield Shire Co
uncillor Lawrie West was also aware of residents becoming ill with respiratory problems following the fire.An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spokesperson said the EPA’s enquiries in relation to the fire are around smoke and odours from burning material as well as containment of any water used to control the fire. “The EPA has also notified NSW Health of the fire and advised the [Tenterfield Shire] council to seek advice on any possible human health impacts,” the spokesperson said.Tenterfield Shire Council general manager Jim Gossage said there were no health concerns.A Hunter New England Health spokesperson said the Tenterfield Hospital had not seen any patients as a result of the fire.Rural Fire Service
Story: Rebecca Brown Northern Tablelands manager Superintendant Chris Wallbridge said firefighters were called to the scene about 2am on Monday, January 2, and although they were able to contain the fire to the green waste area of the tip and away from the tyres section, it did spread in a small way to a neighbour’s grass paddock.Superintendant Wallbridge said no-one was injured in the incident.He said three Rural Fire Service crews from the Tenterfield area attended the fire, with the NSW Fire and Rescue in Tenterfield in support.NSW Fire and Rescue, Tenterfield station commander John Gray, said firefighters worked many hours to control the fire by using both water and foam. It was then monitored for a number of days.Mr Gray believed the fire was not suspicious but investigations are continuing into its cause.
