SECRET documents warning that a 'timebomb' fire hazard in upper Port Glasgow could burn for days and lead to a half kilometre evacuation zone have been uncovered by the Telegraph.

Minutes of meetings held behind closed doors reveal details about talks held to discuss the threat posed to Port Glasgow by the 12,000 tyres which have been illegally dumped at Devol Farm.

The discussions, which were held between emergency services bosses, council officials and representatives of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), have been disclosed to the Tele after our freedom of information request.

The first set of minutes, of a meeting held on May 19, states evacuation zones of up to 500 metres have been mapped and that a fire on the site could last for up to three days.

The document says that such an incident could lead to 'significant impacts' on the local community's health and wellbeing.

The meeting was held following a tyre fire which took place at the site on May 13.

At a further session, held on June 8, officials received a detailed presentation outlining public health measures that could be considered, 'exposure pathways' and emissions that result from tyre fires and the specific impacts from the blaze on May 13.

A risk assessment summary - which explained the mortality rate and risk of exposure associated with the site - was also detailed.

Following the presentation representatives discussed actions which could be taken depending on wind direction, the scale of evacuation and PPE that might be required for responders.

A site visit then took place on July 18, where officials from Inverclyde Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service assessed the buildings on the farm and the security arrangements in place.

Throughout last summer work took place to finalise a 'Multi-Agency Incident Response Guide' (MAIRG) for the site, which details the measures that could be implemented if the site goes up in flames.

The SFRS, SEPA, Police Scotland and Inverclyde Council have repeatedly refused to release this document to the Telegraph.

In the final meeting, which took place on July 20, the representatives in attendance affirmed their commitment to removing the tyres and mitigating risk on the site.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency today confirmed their investigation into the site was ongoing.

They said: "All lines of enquiry and enforcement tools available to SEPA are being considered.

"We also continue to liaise with our partners Inverclyde Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service regarding the risks associated with waste at Devol Farm to ensure an appropriate multi-agency response if required.

"We encourage members of the public who may hold information regarding the deposit of tyres at Devol Farm, or any other waste crime activity, to report this by calling 0800 80 70 60 or by using our online form at www.sepa.org.uk/report."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said that the keeping the community safe is its priority.

Their spokesperson added: "We will continue to work with partner agencies to monitor the risk of fire from waste materials at Devol Farm.

"As part of that risk assessment, we have precautionary plans in place which include evacuation zones."

Chief Inspector Damian Kane, Inverclyde's police area commander, said: "Police continue to support our partners in the local authority and SEPA as they work to resolve the matter.

"I would like to reassure locals that public safety is our main priority."