A large area of Bradford is covered in thick smog for a fourth day as a result of the ongoing tyre fire at a former go-kart track in East Bowling.

The strong smell of the burning rubber lingers in the air across the city, and nearby residents have been advised by the fire service to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors shut. Others have been advised to avoid travelling to the area.

A westerly wind has carried the smell up to 25 miles, with people reporting to be able to smell the fire across Leeds and as far away as Selby.

How could breathing in smoke from the tyre fire affect people's health?

According to Public Health England, exposure to smoke is more likely to affect people who have existing breathing problems, lung or heart conditions.

The very young and very old, smokers and people with flu or flu-like illnesses may also be at greater risk after exposure to smoke from fires.

People who are generally fit and well are unlikely to experience long-term health problems from temporary exposure to smoke from a fire.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "If you must go outside, to minimise your exposure, limit the amount of time you spend outside in the smoke. People with asthma who may be in the vicinity of the fire should carry their inhaler.

"Some of the substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the nose, throat and lungs, the skin and the eyes."

What are the symptoms to look out for?

Symptoms of smoke inhalation may include:

  • Coughing and wheezing
  • A sore throat
  • Feeling short of breath
  • A runny nose or eyes
  • Chest pain

If symptoms persist, people are advised to seek medical advice by calling NHS 111 or by contacting your GP. If a medical consultant is already treating an existing health condition, discuss your concerns and symptoms with them. In the case of an emergency call 999.

What's being done to protect the public?

Concerns have been raised over the air quality caused by a result of the burning of rubber tyres. 

Mr Hussain, MP for Bradford East, has criticised the 'lax' response to the large-scale incident.

He said: “The Environment Agency were fully aware of concerns at the Spring Mill Street site for several weeks and recognised the danger that a fire may pose to the public’s health, yet health impact assessments still haven’t taken place and air quality inspectors are only just today visiting the site.”

Yesterday, the Environment Agency said: "The Air Quality Cell have set up an air quality monitoring unit today as part of the response to the large fire on Upper Castle Street. 

"This monitoring will be used to confirm the public health risk advice given by Public Health England."