Firework factory blaze report launched

A report into a fireworks factory fire and explosion that killed two firefighters has made 66 recommendations in an attempt to prevent it happening again.

Geoff Wicker and Brian Wembridge both died in the fire at Marlie Farm in Sussex, in 2006.

Deputy chief fire officer Gary Walsh said: “Ultimately, by sharing the report’s findings, it is our objective to try to prevent a similar event ever re-occurring “As always, the thoughts of everyone at ESFRS are with the families of Geoff and Brian. ESFRS will continue to do all it can to offer ongoing support to the families, as it would for any of our firefighters affected by traumatic events such as those at Marlie Farm.”

Judge Mr Justice Cooke told the pair: “You wanted them to fight the fire when you knew that the risk of mass explosion meant that everyone should have evacuated the site and moved to a considerable distance away.”

The court heard that Martin Winter was “grossly negligent” as he was aware of the unlicensed storage of fireworks that could explode in the event of a fire breaking out.

In 2009, the factory operators were convicted and jailed for the manslaughter of the two firefighters. Martin Winter owner of Festival Fireworks UK Ltd, since renamed Alpha Fireworks Ltd, was jailed for seven years and his son Nathan was jailed for five years. An appeal against their convictions was unsuccessful.