People in Rushden told ‘wash food and shoes’ after Monoworld fire

People living near a warehouse engulfed by fire nearly a fortnight ago have been told to wash homegrown food and clean shoes.

The Environment Agency (EA) has agreed “limited activities” can now take place at Monoworld in Rushden, Northamptonshire, where a major incident was declared on 23 May.

Smoke from a large quantity of burning plastic at the recycling site on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate could be seen for miles.

The advice to clean produce and outdoor footwear – as well as garden furniture and cars – was issued by North Northamptonshire Council.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “Air quality has improved, and residents are no longer advised to keep doors and windows closed.”

They added that monitoring of local watercourses had not revealed “any adverse impacts” on water or wildlife “as most of the fire water run-off was contained on site or diverted to foul sewer”.

The council has told gardeners and allotment holders to

• wash hands thoroughly after working and before handling food
• remove and clean outdoor shoes before going inside
• wash produce thoroughly under a running tap
• remove outer leaves of vegetables
• clean smoke residue from garden furniture and cars

It said anyone who experiences breathing difficulties should contact their doctor or dial 999.

On Wednesday, the council said the EA was now allowing “limited activities” at Monoworld “as long as the company remains compliant with their environmental permit, working practices, and it remains safe to so”.

The incident has now been closed by the fire service. Parts of the industrial estate not affected by the blaze “remain operational”.