Environment Agency response to FCC Fire

Dear Parish Council

Following the recent fire at the FCC composting site in Sutton Courtenay, some residents in Long Wittenham were affected by smoke from the incident. I would like to reassure you and residents that all reports received by us were acted upon and were important in helping us understand and assess the impact of the fire on the surrounding area.

I am sorry that we did not keep you updated during the incident. While updates were shared through the site’s existing liaison group, which includes Sutton Courtenay and Appleford Parish Councils, we recognise that this incident also affected communities further afield. Unfortunately, we overlooked the need to provide updates to those stakeholders, and I apologise for that.

The fire has now been fully extinguished. I have included below a joint statement from the Environment Agency and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service which provides further information on the incident and the actions taken.

We appreciate the concerns this incident caused for residents and thank those who contacted us to report impacts. We will ensure that you are included in any future updates relating to this incident and in communications about any similar issues that may affect your community.

Regards

EA Regulatory Team

Joint statement by Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency- 25/9/26

Background

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire of green waste at the FCC Environment composting site in Sutton Courtenay during the week commencing 14 September.

Following an assessment of the incident by emergency responders and partner agencies, it was agreed that a controlled burn with the smouldering material being regularly doused with water represented the safest and most appropriate way to manage the fire due to the size, location and nature of the material involved.

Throughout the incident, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency worked closely with FCC Environment and continued to monitor the situation, assess any potential risks, and ensure appropriate control measures remained in place.

Current situation

Environment Agency officers visited the site this morning and have confirmed that the fire has now been successfully extinguished. FCC Environmental have been instructed to clear remaining burnt material from the site.

The Environment Agency will continue to investigate the cause of the fire, whether any of the site’s operating permit conditions have been breached, and if so, what remedial and potential enforcement actions should be taken to ensure compliance.

We recognise the impact that this incident has had on residents. We would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding throughout