Coatbridge Fire: Underground fire smouldering since last summer 'successfully extinguished'
The issue first began in July 2025.
An underground Coatbridge fire that has been burning since last summer has been ‘successfully extinguished, according to the local council.
Shocking drone footage has revealed the aftermath of the blaze just off Burleigh Street.
The issue first began in July 2025 and is believed to be historic coal waste burning underground in a wooded embankment.
In an update to residents on Thursday, North Lanarkshire Council said they are ‘confident’ that the burning has successfully been extinguished.
They added: “To absolutely confirm this, we are carrying out further geothermal imaging and additional testing across the site.
“This has been a hugely challenging operation. Around 30,000 tonnes of material have now been excavated, reflecting both the scale and complexity of the works. From the outset, our immediate priority has been to safely stop the burning.
“As we move beyond this first phase, our focus is now turning to the safe remediation, restoration and future management of the embankment area.
“As part of recent activity on site, the historic railway weighbridge demolition has been completed safely and without issue.”
Work has begun on benching and clay reinstatement of the embankment, with specialist machinery on site to support the phase.
Although the fire is out, the council say some dust may still arise from excavation and reinstatement works.
They added: “Suppression measures will be used if necessary. Air-quality monitoring has remained consistent throughout and will continue as we move into this next stage.
“This progress so far has only been possible thanks to a strong multi-agency response, with the council working closely alongside specialist contractors and geotechnical experts including WSP and Hochtief, as well as NHS Lanarkshire and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, all playing a vital role throughout this complex operation.”
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A spokesperson added that they ‘hugely appreciate’ the ‘understanding, patience and support’ shown by residents and local elected members throughout the first phase.
“Safety remains our priority, and we would remind residents to continue following the health and safety guidance in place as the next stage of remediation continues,” they said.
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