We remain on site at Burleigh Street and continue to work closely with technical experts to manage the underground smouldering.

Works are due to begin on Thursday this week, with plant equipment arriving on site. These works will include taking samples of the material, which is an important step in understanding the extent of the affected area and informing the long-term solution.

As part of this process, some disturbance of the material may potentially cause smoke to become more noticeable at times. This is expected and will be closely monitored throughout, with safety controls in place. Sand will also continue to be applied where needed to help suppress smoke.

These investigations, which include trial pits, boreholes, and monitoring, are essential to ensuring the smouldering area remains contained and stable. The steel piling works we previously mentioned are now on hold while we complete these investigations and gather more information about the site.

Our air quality monitoring remains in place, and to date, no pollution concerns have been identified.

We will continue to keep residents updated as works progress and thank you for your patience as we take these careful steps towards a permanent solution.

After attending to the fire, Fire and Rescue carried out inspections including air quality monitoring and levels are within normal range.

The council has assisted firefighters to gain access to the site by excavating some of the tougher vegetation and woodland. It is believed that historic coal waste is continuing to burn underground and, although there are no flames present, ignited coal waste does produce heat. This requires a longer-term solution which will involve specialist expertise to make a full assessment before we can backfill the site.

As a precaution, we have fenced off the affected area and request that residents stay away, particularly as excavation work is ongoing. There is no risk to public health.

Understandably, you may have concerns. Please be assured that the site has been contained and measures have been put in place to abate the fire. We are working with a range of agencies including Scottish Fire and Rescue and The Coal Authority to make further assessments before commencing a longer-term programme of works at the site.

We are continuing to work with contractors to establish the next steps that need to be taken in relation to the fire. Our officers are monitoring the fire on a daily basis which is in line with the advice provided and further information will be published as the council’s investigation progresses.

We are in the process of engaging with a range of agencies to ascertain the next steps and we will keep you informed.