Firefighters Continue Efforts at Recycling Centre Blaze
Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene of a recycling centre fire over the coming days after a "huge" black cloud covered nearby homes.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported they were called to a fire involving approximately 200 tonnes of commercial waste at the AWD Group facility on Dock Road, Port Talbot, on Wednesday afternoon.
Footage shared on social media showed flames and thick smoke rising from the site, with smoke still visible over residential areas on Thursday.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. The incident has since been downgraded from a major incident, with crews confident that the fire will not spread further, according to the council.
Precautionary Measures and Road Closures
Nearby schools remain open, but some roads have been closed. Neath Port Talbot council has advised residents and businesses to keep windows and doors closed until the smoke dissipates.
Richie Felton, representing the fire service, stated that crews expect to stay at the site "throughout the weekend, as we continue the operation to extinguish the fire."
He described the initial response on Wednesday as dealing with a "developing wind-driven fire."
"We were met by a large plume of black smoke issuing from the plastic piles at the rear of the recycling centre," he said.
On Thursday, the fire was still active, with smoke drifting heavily towards nearby houses.
Local Impact and Resident Reactions
Former Neath Port Talbot mayor Tony Taylor told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that a "huge cloud" of black smoke was visible over his back garden about two hours after the fire began.
"It was dreadful. It just covered the whole town.
It felt like it was going to rain. That's how dark it went," he added.
Local residents reported difficulty keeping smoke out despite closing windows and doors. Some noted a plastic taste in the air, and one household placed towels in their letterbox to block smoke entry.
Another resident mentioned closing every vent and expressed concern for the safety of their children and pets.
Company and Council Statements
The AWD Group was unavailable for comment. According to its website, the company recycles glass, PVC, wood waste, and handles general waste disposal.
Road closures remain in effect, including the A4242 Afan Way dual carriageway and parts of Water Street to westbound traffic, the council confirmed on Thursday. Rest facilities have been placed on standby.
The council advised,
"People who feel unwell should seek appropriate medical advice,"and noted that schools have been advised to keep pupils and staff indoors as a precaution while smoke is present.
Additional reporting by Ella Warrender.
