South Wales Wood owner in court over wood fire

The fire started in November 2015 and raged for two months, sending smoke and a foul smell across Newport and further afield.

Dennis Burke of Curwen Terrace, North Cornelly, Bridgend, appeared at Newport Magistrates Court on Monday 7 August 2017, where he pleaded not guilty to six charges connected with the fire.

The 68-year-old also pleaded not guilty on behalf of his company South Wales Wood Ltd, which faces the same charges.

A preliminary hearing will be held at Newport Crown Court on Monday, September 4.

Crews

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service South crews were called to the fire at the site early on the morning of Monday 19 September 2017, after the fire had been detected.

South Wales Wood Recycling handles up to 2,000 tonnes per month of civic amenity site and construction and demolition wood as well as broken pallets and cases. Material taken to the site is shredded and screened to supply chipboard factories, biomass fuel or for animal bedding.

Investigation

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed at the time that it would be carrying out an investigation into the cause of the blaze, once it has been fully extinguished. The regulator, Natural Resources Wales, attended the fire to monitor water run-off into local waterways.