Anxious residents in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, are raising serious health alarms as an underground fire, first spotted in July, continues to billow smoke and coat their properties in thick black soot. The blaze, located in the Shawhead area, originates from a historic colliery spoil heap containing waste materials like coal and iron ore, buried during 19th-century steelworks operations.
Excavation Efforts and Weather Worsen Conditions
Specialist fire crews are currently excavating the burning material in a complex operation to extinguish the persistent fire. However, recent wet and stormy weather has exacerbated the problem, causing increased smoke and steam as the hot material is disturbed. This has led to soot being carried towards nearby homes on Burleigh Street, tarnishing gardens, playgrounds, windows, and footpaths.
North Lanarkshire Council, which is managing the incident, has stated that ongoing air-quality monitoring continues to show pollutant levels are within safe limits. They attribute the visible increase in smoke to the weather conditions and the excavation process itself. The council is providing regular updates on its website, noting that recent work has focused on a challenging area containing an old railway structure with very high temperatures and ventilation shafts.
Residents Voice Anger and Fear Over Health Impacts
Despite official assurances, local homeowners are deeply concerned and frustrated. Many report being unable to use their gardens for months and worry about the effects on vulnerable family members.
Stuart Fraser highlighted the constant grime, stating his parents' home is repeatedly covered in soot, which then gets trailed indoors. Louise Cowper said the situation has been "horrific," preventing her children from playing outside. Parents of children with asthma and eczema expressed specific fears that the pollution is aggravating these conditions.
One resident pointed to neighbours with respiratory illnesses like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, who are effectively trapped inside breathing the air, warning of potential long-term consequences. Local man Jamie Digan told STV News his asthmatic sons have suffered, requiring extra medication and dehumidifiers, and criticised a lack of communication from the council.
Political Response and Ongoing Reassurances
Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, has organised an online meeting for next week, inviting the council and local health board to address constituent concerns. While satisfied with the council's response so far, he acknowledged people are seeking clearer timescales and reassurance on health impacts.
Area Commander Stephen Nesbit reiterated that there is no identified public health risk at this time and that resident safety remains the top priority. The excavation and firefighting operation on the Burleigh Street site continues as authorities work towards a resolution.
