Update and advice on Westwood Industrial Estate fire

Firefighters from Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) have been tackling a fire at the Westwood industrial estate, Enterprise Way, Margate since Saturday 15 September. KFRS is expected to have a presence on site until late October 2018.

From the start of this incident a number of agencies have worked together to manage the ongoing situation. Thanet District Council will facilitate the recovery phase, once firefighting operations are complete.

Advice from Public Health England

• People living and working in areas affected by smoke should stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed.
• Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.
• Some of the substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the nose, throat and lungs, the skin and the eyes. Symptoms may include coughing and wheezing, sore throat, feeling short of breath, runny nose or eyes or chest pain. In general, exposure to smoke is more likely to affect people who have existing breathing problems, lung or heart conditions.
• People who are generally fit and well are unlikely to experience long-term health problems from temporary exposure to smoke from a fire.
• The very young and very old, smokers, and people with flu or flu-like illnesses, may also be at greater risk after exposure to smoke from fires.
• To minimise your exposure, limit the amount of time you spend outside in the smoke.
• People with asthma who may be in the vicinity of the fire should carry their inhaler.

If symptoms persist seek medical advice by calling NHS 111 or by contacting your General Practitioner (GP). If a medical consultant is already treating an existing health condition, discuss your concerns and symptoms with them. In the case of an emergency call 999.

There are also answers to many frequently asked questions on the Kent Fire and Rescue Service website.

Other agencies involved in this incident, include:

• Kent Fire and Rescue Service: Lead agency – tackling the fire, making the scene safe, keeping the local community informed and carrying out a fire investigation
• Public Health England: Providing health information, advice and guidance 
• Environment Agency: Monitoring environmental impacts and handling site enforcement
• Kent Police: Investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire
• Kent County Council: Keeping schools informed
• East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust: Monitoring impacts on the hospital