The fire service has issued safety advice to residents as a blaze at a waste site continues into its fifth day.

On Friday, some 50,000 homeowners in the region between Bognor and Littlehampton were told to keep their windows and doors closed after fire broke out at the Arun Waste Services facility in Bairds Business Park in Grevatts Lane, near Littlehampton.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, in discussion with key partners including the Environment Agency, has agreed to allow the fire to burn under control.

Limited amounts of water will be applied to target hotspots, the service said.

The fire will be allowed to burn under control The fire will be allowed to burn under control (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

It comes amid concerns about pollution to the surrounding environment and waterways caused by water run-off from the scene.

West Sussex County Council’s public health team has also issued advice to residents to help mitigate the impact of smoke.

READ MORE: Dozens of firefighters battled huge blaze

Residents should:

  • Avoid outside areas affected by smoke or ash
  • Keep windows and vents closed when driving through smoke
  • Look out for symptoms of irritation, such as coughing, wheezing, sore throat, runny nose or eyes or chest pain
  • People with asthma should carry their inhaler
  • Businesses should turn off ventilation systems to reduce the spread of smoke

The council has also highlighted the increased risk to people with existing breathing problems, lung or heart conditions, as well as infants, the elderly and people with the flu or flu-like illnesses.

Residents should continue to keep doors and windows shutResidents should continue to keep doors and windows shut (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Those with persistent symptoms should contact 111 or their GP.

A fire service spokesman said: “This is a complex and protracted incident but the situation will continue to be monitored over the coming days.

“We will continue to risk assess the situation to ensure the impact on residents and the surrounding environment is minimised.”

An investigation into the cause of the fire will be launched when it is safe to do so.

At its peak, more than ten fire engines and several ladder trucks and water carriers were involved in the battle to bring the blaze under control.

The affected unit, estimated to be around 1,645 square metres, contained recycling waste and machinery which made the fire difficult to contain.