Blaze at Ironworks site set to burn for several days
A huge fire broke out at around 10.30pm on Saturday 15th September at an Ironworks company in Stanton near Ilkeston.
60 firefighters battled the blaze at the property which contained over 7000 tonnes of wood.
The fire service said that a “large plume of smoke” spread across the region but it is not believed that the smoke was toxic. However they did advice people with breathing difficulties to keep windows shut and to remain indoors if possible.
A local homeowner affected by the incident said: “I’ll be claiming off someone for this because it stinks. The wind’s changed so it’s now coming right over us. If it’s set to go on for a few days it will stink the whole house out, even with our windows and doors shut. If it goes into the house and takes the carpets and curtains, it’s not going to be nice. We’ve got no alternative but to put up with it.”
Steve Carnell, who was visiting a relative nearby at the time of the fire said: “We’ve got the doors and windows shut. We’re waiting for my dad to come out of hospital – I don’t know what he’ll make of this. Luckily, it’s only wood that is burning so it’s not toxic. The smoke has only been blowing over us this morning. A slight gust of wind can change it simultaneously.”
Station manager Gary Platts said: “The wood is mainly recycled and therefore less compact and harder to put out. Firefighters are continuing to work to keep the fire under control and prevent the fire from further spread. We did receive reports of the smoke being seen from the M1 and we continue to urge drivers to be careful on nearby roads while the smoke is still coming off the fire.”
Mr Platts added: “It is a pretty big fire and has given off a lot of smoke. We have had assistance from the owners of the site and they have been using their equipment to help us, but they can only do so much because they don’t have breathing equipment and we don’t want to see them put in danger. I would also like to thank the crews from Nottinghamshire who have come to help us”
It is not yet known how the fire started. Mr Platts said: “It’s too early to say what any cause might be – there are some organic elements to the recycled wood which could have created heat or it could have been malicious. We just don’t know yet.”
Chinese lantern sets fire to conservatory roof
Firefighters from Deeside were called to an incident at a house on Hilltop Close, Ewloe at around 9.18pm on Saturday after a Chinese lantern melted its way through a conservatory roof.
The lantern had drifted on to the property, landing on the conservatory and burned through the plastic roof. The resident woke to find her home filled with smoke and alerted the fire service.
Paul Whybro from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “These lanterns are popular, but present a significant hazard and therefore we are appealing to the public to be careful when handling them. This lady was lucky as the incident could have been much more serious. The lantern burned through her conservatory whilst she was asleep at night and had been smouldering for some hours – it was pure luck that the hot wax fell onto the floor and did not set any furniture alight. Her home could easily have gone up in flames.”
My Whybro added: “Please follow our advice. Make sure that no one is standing underneath when a lantern is set up as there is a possibility that oil or wax can tip over and cause injury. Take account of the prevailing wind and ensure the lantern will burn out before it can land on nearby property or farmland – they can also be a danger to crops and livestock. Ask yourself whether the risk is really worth it before you set one alight.”
UK Fire Services pledge to improve fire safety for people with dementia
Fire and Rescue Services across the UK have pledged to improve the safety of people with dementia.
The scheme is part of the Governments challenge to help build dementia friendly communities across the UK. The scheme is being led by the Alzheimer’s Society and TV presenter, Angela Ripon.
The scheme aims to ensure families and carers are aware of potential fire risks, raising awareness of free home safety visits and advice and encouraging other local organisations to help build dementia friendly communities.
Frank Swann from Nottinghamshire Fire Service said: “We are committed to ensuring that vulnerable people, including those with dementia, can stay safe and independent in their own homes. The effects of fire can be devastating for families but, with advice and support, we can help people make small changes that make a big difference to their safety. Fire and rescue services around the country are already doing excellent work in their local communities, and we are all keen to work closely with colleagues in other sectors to identify those who need our help. This dementia challenge is a great opportunity to work towards creating safer communities for those with dementia.”
Lorries destroyed in scrapyard fire
Fire crews were called to a fire at a scrapyard in East Tilbury on 27th August.
The fire broke out at in the early hours of the morning. Three lorries were damaged in the incident.
Firefighters from Grays, Orsett and Basildon attended the incident at the Readmans Industrial Estate on Station Road, East Tilbury at around 1am and spent several hours at the scene.
A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the electricity board was also called to isolate the power supply to the site as it was “hampering firefighting operations”.
An investigation will now be carried out into how the fire was started.
Residents evacuated as huge blaze breaks out in factory
Around 100 homes were evacuated after a gas explosion caused a blaze at a disused factory on Bury Road in Radcliffe. Dozens of families were forced to spend the night at a local community centre.
Around 60 firefighters and 12 fire engines were called to the scene.
There were no casualties reported in the blast but windows were shattered in surrounding buildings due to the intense heat at the scene.
Zoe Joynson, who was evacuated from her home said: “It was like fireworks were going off. It’s been a bit scary, but we’re all fine. My 13-year-old daughter Katie was babysitting in one of the flats nearby, but she managed to carry the children downstairs in her arms. Thankfully they were all okay.”
Another witness, Jennifer Armour, said: “All we could see was the smoke and lights flashing.”
Station Manager Paul Duggan said: “We were faced with a very busy scene with a rapidly developing fire. It was difficult as there was limited access to the site and there were a large number of houses that were very close. The heat was such that it cracked windows in the flats opposite. All the residents really worked with us to make sure it was resolved safely.”
A joint is now being carried out by Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.