Smoke In The Hilton Area

Residents and people working in the Hilton area may smell smoke while Firefighters and Officers work with partners at South Derbyshire District Council’s Environmental Health Department and the Environment Agency to monitor and extinguish a fire in the open on Willowpit Lane, Hilton.

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to the fire which is close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) just before 23:00 hours on the 3 March and have had a continued presence throughout today.

Speaking from the site Group Manager Kevin Page said: “We are continuing to monitor a fire in the open just off the A50 in Hilton to ensure the smoke doesn’t cause any problems to passing motorists, or pose a risk to people living or working in the area.

“At present there is no need for us to issue any specific advice to local residents to keep windows and doors closed as wind conditions have been favourable, however we are conscious that as the evening draws in, people may start to smell the fire and be concerned.

“I’d like to assure people that while the fire is being left to burn, it is under control and we are continuing to monitor it closely in order to mitigate any impact on the environment. I would anticipate that there will be a fire service presence at the site for the next 48 hours.”