A Newcastle company has been fined after a blue-grey toxic smoke fire sent smoke billowing towards South Gosforth School, where children were outside for their morning break. The incident led to an investigation by Newcastle City Council and subsequent court action.
Just after 11am on June 5, 2026, a witness walking home saw a 'blueish haze' in back lanes around Ilford Road and Rectory Drive. The smoke was also seen billowing towards the school, where children were playing outside during break time.
Another witness thought her 'house was on fire' when she came downstairs to find her living room and kitchen filled with the 'choking blue-grey smoke'. When she ventured outside, she saw it was coming from the yard of Annie Hood Limited, based on Ilford Road.
Investigation reveals series of fires
Almost six hours later, a third witness took a short video of blue smoke emerging from a large bin outside the company's premises, with smouldering remnants of a fire still burning. A council environmental health officer attended and found a large container being used for burning waste.
The officer reported seeing recent fresh ash on older ash, suggesting this had been a series of fires rather than a single blaze. The fire and ash included a large amount of rolled up nylon and pieces of metal.
Court proceedings and fines
During the investigation, company director Connor Hoyle admitted lighting the fire but claimed he had just burnt 'smoke coloured' cardboard and vegetables. He said he was unaware of the rolls found by enforcement officers and had 'no intention to burn nylon.' Hoyle then said he had subsequently 'ceased any such activity and will ensure all waste materials are disposed of through the appropriate recycling and waste collection services on the future.'
Appearing at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 30, both Hoyle and Annie Hood Limited pleaded guilty to disposing of waste without an environmental permit and doing so in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm. Representing himself and the company, Hoyle apologised and said he didn't realise there was wood and metal underneath what he was burning.
Annie Hood Limited was fined £666 and ordered to pay a £265 victim surcharge and £360 costs, totalling £1,291. Hoyle was fined £200 with an £80 victim surcharge.
Council warning ahead of Bonfire Night
Cllr Peter Lovatt, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local services, said: "Illegally burning waste, and causing toxic smoke, is clearly wrong, can significantly impact people's health and is a danger to our communities.
"This is not the first time that the council has secured a conviction for illegally burning waste. We will continue to prosecute those responsible for illegally burning waste and those considering such behaviour should take note of the fines in this case, and that those responsible were ordered to pay over £1,500.
"With Bonfire Night coming up, I'd like to remind anyone considering a bonfire, please don't use your bonfire as a way of disposing of rubbish illegally. Our teams will be out on the streets to keep people safe and if you break the law there can be severe consequences."
The council has provided information on how to dispose of waste correctly on its website.
