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.
Shell UK to pay huge fines after 2008 explosion
Shell UK has been ordered to pay 1.242 million pounds in fines and legal costs for a fire at its Bacton terminal in 2008. The company was found guilty of 7 offences.
The fire and explosion were caused by a leak of hydrocarbon liquid.
A spokesperson for Shell UK said: “What happened was completely unacceptable and falls well below the standards that we set for ourselves. Safety is our company’s priority and so an incident like this is deeply disappointing,”
The Environment Agency local Environment Manager, Marcus Sibley said: “The explosion could have led to a major environmental disaster as other highly flammable materials were stored nearby,”
There were no casualties in the incident as staff were returning from the plant to the main offices for shift handovers.
Since the explosion, Shell has invested around 3 million pounds into reviewing safety procedures.
4 killed in Wales refinery explosion
4 people have been killed and another hospitalized in a huge explosion at an oil refinery in wales.
The explosion happened at the Pembroke Dock Chevron refinery at around 6.22pm on Thursday 2nd June.
10 appliances from Mid and West Wales fire service attended the incident which was caused by a storage tanker that was undergoing maintenance exploding.
Local resident, Liz Herbert said: “I was in the house and I could feel a shaking kind of thing – and I am on the other side of the water, so it is quite a way. I looked out of the window and could see black smoke, I went upstairs to get a better view and I could see flames. The black smoke was unbelievable. We could hear all the sirens going. People were out and about having a look. It is gone now, but at the time, all along the front was jam-packed with cars and people having a look at what’s going on.”
Another local who owns the Angle village shop said: “I ran to the front and saw a huge plume of smoke. It was black and filled the sky. It must have been 50 or so metres wide. There were lots of people outside staring at the sky. We thought it had something to do with a jet at first and some people thought it might have been guns at Castle Martin – they have been firing a the range a lot recently.”
Dyfed Powys police force is investigating the incident alongside the Health and Safety Executive. Chief Superintendent Gwyn Thomas said that “Early indications show that it is a tragic industrial accident.”
Shell UK admits health and safety breaches after Norfolk gas explosion
Shell UK has pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches which lead to an explosion in 2008 at the Bacton Gas Terminal in Norfolk. The Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive brought the joint prosecution.
The company admitted to breaching 2 Health and Safety Regulations and 5 areas of environmental legislation. No one was injured in the accident.
The company will be sentenced on 16th June at Norfolk Crown Court.
Fireman dies in airport explosion
A fireman has died in an explosion at Cotswold Airport.
45 year old Steve Mills who was the fire services manager at the Kemble airport, died following a cylinder explosion at the airfield at 12.45pm on Friday 15th April.
Mr Mills had been a firefighter at Malmesbury for 10 years before becoming fire services manager at the airport.
Chief fire officer at Wiltshire fire and rescue service said: “Steve was a dedicated and popular member of the team at Malmesbury. We were able to draw on his knowledge, contacts and expertise, which in turn strengthened our ability to serve our local communities, and we recognise and are grateful for the contribution he made. Steve will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. All of the crew at Malmesbury are devastated by the loss of a friend and colleague, and the service is giving them as much support as possible at this difficult time.”
The incident was attended by crews from Cirencester and Tetbury fire stations.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are investigating the incident but it is not currently being treated as suspicious.