Huge piles of combustible waste left untouched a year on from a ferocious fire which raged for 25 days at a warehouse remain “a threat” to neighbouring businesses.

The blaze at an abandoned unit, packed with up to 6,000 bales of rubbish, at the Westwood Industrial Unit near Margate broke out a year ago today but there is yet to be an update on the Environment Agency’s (EA) investigation and removal of the waste has not begun.

At its height, 80 firefighters were tackling the blaze in Continental Approach and huge plumes of acrid smoke could be seen as far away as Sandwich.

Crews were finally stood down on Wednesday, October 10.

A manager of neighbouring business Hilger Crystals says the site will remain “a risk” until it is cleared.

Dr Keith Hutton, the company’s quality, safety, health and environment manager, said: “The impact to Hilger Crystals was significant, but we have recovered fully from the incident now.

“However, in my opinion, the site will always be a fire risk until the combustible waste has been removed and as such is still a threat to our business.”

The fire took three weeks to extinguish

But the site has now been acquired by another company, London LS, which plans to clear the waste.

The new owners hope to submit a plan to develop the site before the end of the year.

Demolition crews were forced to open up the unit during the blaze in a bid to help the fire service access the building more safely due to the scale of the compacted refuse.

Those living nearby were warned of an increase in smoke levels in the area, having already been told to keep doors and windows closed.

In January, we exclusively revealed that the blaze left the fire service with a bill for extra costs totalling more than £160,000.

Hundreds of firefighters took part in the operation, working round-the-clock for more than three weeks, with the bill for on-call staff £5,000 more than the month prior.

The most significant cost, however, was in the appointment of a contractor and the hire of specialist equipment, as well as site security, with a spending of £161,700.

The EA says there is still no update available on their investigation.

A spokesman for the EA said: “The investigation into the original unauthorised deposit of waste is still ongoing so we can’t comment on any enforcement action yet.

“All issues related to the site remain the sole responsibility of the registered landowner.”

Shortly after the fire, three 12-year-olds and a girl aged 13 were arrested on suspicion of arson.

The boy and three girls, all from Margate. were questioned and released without charge.

Spokesman Natalie Hardy said: “Inquiries are ongoing and if anyone has further information they should contact police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/ZY/55179/18.

“Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

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