Yesterday’s fire at Surf Beach tip near Batemans Bay continues to be monitored by the RFS and Eurobodalla Council staff.
No one was injured in the blaze, which started around 2pm on the tip face and spread to a metal pile, where it was quickly contained by emergency crews.
Council’s manager of waste services Adam Patyus was back on the scene this morning and said the fire remains under control, with the worst of the smoke now dissipated.
“Rural Fire Service, water carters and Council staff are onsite dousing the waste, which continues to smoulder,” he said.
“Everyone involved has done a fantastic job containing and extinguishing the fire.
“We are now arranging for an excavator to open up the waste material so that water can penetrate the deep layers to make sure the fire is fully extinguished.
“The cause of the fire is not confirmed at this stage, but RFS have told us they expect it was ash waste from a home wood heater.
“This has happened before and we’re encouraging residents to please make sure any wood fire ash is completely cold before adding it to the tip site.
“The smoke around the area has mostly cleared now and was not toxic, confirmed by Hazmat overnight.”
The tip remains closed to the public until further notice. Normal commercial activities are continuing and Council advises the household kerbside collection is unaffected.
Photo: South Coast Police District
