Investigation launched into plastics factory blaze

An enquiry is now underway following a fire which ripped through a plastics factory in Ripley, Derbyshire at the weekend.

On Sunday evening police had to evacuate people from around 20 houses and seal the street as 20ft high flames tore through Technique Composites on Peasehill Road and fire crews battled to keep the fire under control.

The local residents of Ripley had to leave their homes for 24 hours due to the fact there were two unexploded gas cylinders that needed to be quarantined until they had cooled down.

Police Sergeant Simon Street, explained:

“We’ve evacuated houses that are in the blast zone. It’s purely a precautionary measure.

“Emergency planners from social services are looking after the people who cannot find alternative accommodation.

“The public have been spot on. I’d like to thank them for their assistance and their patience – it has been much appreciated.”

Firefighters from nearby areas including Ilkeston, Derby, Alfreton, Duffield and Clay Cross were required to tackle the blaze as fire ripped through the roof of the factory.

Now the cylinders are no longer a risk, fire teams will be able to assess the premises to determine the cause of the fire, as the investigation begins.