Health advisory issued to residents within 3 km of the Waikato landfill fire

By RNZ

Authorities are asking pregnant and lactating women to temporarily move out of an area where a fire has been burning near Hamilton.

The Waikato Regional Council said a preventative health advisory had been issued to residents within two miles of the Puke Coal landfill in Pukemiro.

A fire has been burning at the site since August.

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A preliminary health assessment was conducted last week and indicates that there is a potential for increased levels of dioxins in the atmosphere, which may pose health risks.

The tests will be carried out when specialized teams arrive from abroad.

Waikato District Council Executive Director Gavin Ion said the welfare response team advised some members of the Pukemiro and Glen Afton communities to find other housing.

“This is a precautionary approach because we promised the community that we would do our best,” he said.

The advice focused on pregnant and lactating women.

Only a small number of people are likely to be affected by the health advisory, the council said.

– RNZ