Here is the fire service's full statement about smoke smouldering from a refuse pile in Hazlemere.

Fire crews have been dealing with a fire in Amersham Road, which started a week ago on Thursday, April 25.

They have told residents to "avoid breathing in any smoke".

Their full statement at 3.05pm said: "We are aware of the ongoing concerns regarding the fire incident on Amersham Road, Hazlemere, and we appreciate the community's anxieties surrounding this matter.

"First and foremost, we want to acknowledge the distress this situation may be causing to residents, particularly those with vulnerable family members. We want to assure the residents and members of the public that the safety and well-being of the community remain our utmost priority.

"On Thursday 25 April 2024, at 12:42pm our crews responded to a fire incident in Hazlemere. Exhaustive efforts were made to contain and mitigate the situation. We continuously monitored the site, working diligently through the night to ensure the safety of the area.

"After assessing the situation for any significant risk of fire spread, the incident was formally handed back to the private landowner on 26th April 2024.

"We recognise that concerns persist, and as such, we conducted a second inspection on 1st May 2024, reaffirming our findings of no significant risk of fire spread.

"The site now requires mechanical intervention to remove quantities of smouldering waste from the site. Moving forward, we are committed to collaborating with our partner agencies and the private landowner to expedite the clearance of the site.

"Following more recent concern from nearby residents regarding the smoke produced from the smouldering, our general advice would be to keep away from and avoid breathing in any smoke.

"No asbestos was identified to be involved during the period when the fire and rescue service was in attendance.. 

"For further details regarding the incident, we encourage residents to visit our website at https://bucksfire.gov.uk/incidents/fire-generating-large-amount-of-smoke/  where further information regarding our response efforts can be found.

"We want to assure the community that we are actively addressing this matter and will continue to prioritise their safety and well-being throughout this process.”