FIRE chiefs estimate that they will be at the scene of the massive Dewsbury tip blaze for another 10 days.
The news comes after the waste processing centre at the Hinchcliffe Bros site at Ravensthorpe Industrial Estate was demolished to help crews get to the seat of the fire.
The fire has smouldered since Sunday February 7.
Louis Harvey, Environment Agency team leader, said: “The building on site has been demolished because it is unsafe.
“This will also help the fire service get to the seat of the fire.
“The demolition has been done by a contractor working for Kirklees Council, which has the power to demolish buildings under the Buildings Act.
“Our contractors are now moving waste to further help the fire service and to create fire breaks.
“The site is under continual review, and we liaise regularly with the fire service and Kirklees Council on the best options for dealing with it.”
The waste storage permit for the facility has been held by Roy Hinchcliffe since 2000.
It allows him to have up to 700 tonnes of non-hazardous waste on site but the Environment Agency withdrew his licence after repeated complaints from neighbouring businesses.
The agency is now pursuing the possibility of a criminal prosecution.
