A fire ravaged part of the controversial Walleys Quarry on Sunday night (4 August) at around 9.30pm. Locals gathered to spectate the fire. Some of the spectators were reportedly “cheering” as the quarry became engulfed in flames.
The site, which is located in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has long caused distress to nearby residents. Since its opening in 2020, numerous complaints have been lodged regarding the odour emitted by the landfill. A study is currently being conducted to examine the mental and physical impact that the quarry has on locals.
Several fire crews from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were sent to tackle the blaze and worked overnight to extinguish it. At the peak of the fire, six crews were onsite.
On Monday (5 August), two crews remained on site to monitor the quarry.
Crews are set to return to Walleys Quarry today (6 August) to assess the ground and determine whether the quarry is once again safe. An investigation has also been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
Station Manager Duncan Cole stated: “We expect to be here for a few days yet to ensure all hot spots are fully extinguished so that the fire does not reignite”.
Waste deliveries have been paused for the time being.
Experienced writer and journalist James McKean leads the daily editorial output at StaffsLive. To contact him, email news@staffslive.co.uk
