Update issued on August 4, 2025
The fire at Lean Quarry has been extinguished.
A building at the waste facility in Horningtops, near Liskeard, was demolished.
This meant the fire could be safely put out over the weekend.
We’d like to thank residents for their patience and understanding.
Update issued on August 1, 2025
Residents living near Lean Quarry and drivers passing on the A38 are urged to keep windows closed over the weekend.
A building at the waste facility in Horningtops, near Liskeard, is being demolished so a fire at the site can be tackled safely.
There could be an increase in smoke in the area over the coming days.
Residents in areas affected by the smoke should stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed.
Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.
Anyone with health conditions that may be worsened by smoke should seek advice using NHS 111 online or calling NHS 111.
Press release issued on July 30, 2025
Residents living near Lean Quarry are being reminded to keep their windows and doors closed due to an ongoing fire at the waste facility in Horningtops, near Liskeard.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident in the early hours of Tuesday, July 22, sending multiple crews to tackle a fire involving a large amount of general waste.
The building was later deemed unsafe by a structural engineer and firefighters adopted a controlled burn strategy, meaning the fire is being monitored but crews cannot enter the building.
Biffa, which owns the site, is working to appoint a contractor to demolish the structure which will allow access to the fire.
Watch Scott Brown, Station Manager at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, give an update on the fire at Lean Quarry
Cornwall Council, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Biffa are continuing to monitor smoke in the area.
As a precaution, nearby residents are advised to stay indoors where possible, and keep windows and doors closed.
Anyone with health conditions that may be worsened by smoke should contact their GP, or seek advice using NHS 111 online or calling NHS 111.
Scott Brown, Station Manager at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The stack of waste where the fire broke out is 15-20 metres in height and contains a huge amount of general waste.
“This is a very complex incident, and we are working with partners to ensure it can be brought to an end as quickly as possible.
“In the meantime, we ask that residents follow the advice to keep their windows and doors closed.”
Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member with responsibility for Community Wellbeing and Public Health at Cornwall Council, said: “I’d like to thank all the firefighters who have worked on this incident and helped contain the fire.
“I appreciate how frustrating this situation is for residents living nearby, but please be assured we are doing everything we can to bring it to a safe conclusion.
“If you live nearby, please do keep your windows and doors closed for the time being.
“If anyone is concerned about their health due to the smoke, I urge them to contact their GP or NHS 111.”