CHRIS SKELTON/Stuff
A pile of tyres illegally stockpiled in Amberley went up in flames in January, the second such blaze in three years.
Residents in the North Canterbury town of Amberley could next week find out what effects January’s tyre fire had on their health and that of their stock. Environment Canterbury (ECan) northern zone delivery lead Andrew Arps said on Friday that laboratory analysis of ground contaminants and the initial modelling of the smoke plume from the fire had now come back. “The results and modelling are currently being reviewed by external experts and have been sent to [Canterbury District Health Board] CDHB for comment, and we hope to be able to report back fully next week,” he said.
First Amberley tyre fire tests show no immediate concern, for water at least stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Smoke coming from the tyres before the site was smothered last weekend.
Photo: Supplied / Environment Canterbury
The pile of around 160,000 tyres was set alight, sending thick black smoke across the North Canterbury town.
It s the second time a pile of tyres on the Racecourse Road property has been set alight.
Authorities involved in the fire response held a community meeting last night to update residents on progress.
ECan spokesman Andrew Arps told the crowd of about 60 people the landowner was involved in the process of dealing with the pile. The site was smothered last weekend so there s no more smoke coming from the pile but it s still very hot if you get close to it so that will take a while to cool down.
STACY SQUIRES/STUFF
Amberley residents turned out in force again to get answers over the massive tyre fire near their town last month.
Residents living near the site of a massive tyre fire in North Canterbury may have to wait weeks to find out what toxins they have been exposed to. But they should not hold back on planting crops, Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) medical officer of health Cheryl Brunton told a public meeting in Amberley on Thursday. Dozens of residents attended the meeting, held almost two weeks since 160,000 tyres were set alight at a yard on Racecourse Rd.