FIREFIGHTERS continue to tackle the blaze at the waste processing facility in Carr Lane, Prescot, which started on Sunday morning.

A demolition crew have been working to clear areas of the site since Tuesday, to allow crews access to isolated pockets of fire so they can be extinguished and hot spots monitored.

Officials have stated that the smoke plume above St Helens and parts of the North West, has no threat to public health despite reports and that this is now significantly reduced.

A spokesman for Knowsley Council, said: "The Environment Agency were involved throughout the incident at Carr Lane.

“The Agency is the lead regulator for the site and acted in consultation with Public Health England who advised that there was no threat to the public's health.

“Unfortunately, there were some comments from other individuals to the effect that an environmental disaster was taking place.

“Comments like these are not only alarmist but also misleading for the public in the vicinity who needed accurate information about the true risks of the incident.

“The Environment Agency regulates the site, and that role includes identifying and approving what kind of material may be stored at the site as well as monitoring air quality during an incident like this one.

“The priority for responding agencies was to contain the fire and assess any risk to the public which was carried out throughout Sunday and presently.

“All agencies will now be working with the owners of the site to identify the cause and consider any action requited to maintain public safety."

The public can now access the industrial park on foot after its initial closure on Sunday but road traffic is not permitted.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue service spokesman said: "Currently Carr Lane is still closed to traffic but the public can access the area on foot.

“The incident commander at the site has said that it is now more of a mist than a plume of smoke but the safety guidance still remain.

“Officials are meeting later on today to talk about the remaining part of the building where the remaining fire is situated and methods of extinguishing and demolition.”

An investigation will take place after the fire is fully extinguished to find the cause of the blaze.

The fire broke out at the Remondis Centre on Sunday morning, which saw road and business closures and around 60 to 70 firefighters in attendance.

This warehouse, which covered an area of approximately 100 metres by 100 metres, held an environmental permit for the treatment, storage, transfer and disposal of hazardous waste.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, a consultant in Health Protection with Public Health England, said: “It’s important that residents understand that the risks to their health are low, however smoke is an irritant so it can make people’s eyes and throat sore.

“It may also worsen any breathing or heart conditions they have but short term exposure is unlikely to cause any health concerns in otherwise healthy individuals; we would not consider that there would be any long-term health impacts associated with exposure to the plume.”

"Residents should continue to follow the following advice to minimise contact with smoke, if their eyes are sore, bathe them in cold tap water until they feel comfortable, If you suffer from asthma and the smoke triggers an asthma attack, use the inhaler you usually use to relieve the attack, and call NHS 111 for advice. If they do not seem to be working or if the attack gets worse call your GP."

For any other medical problems call NHS 111 or your GP.