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ESSEX County Fire and Rescue Service has issued a safety warning to scrap yard and storage yard owners following a serious fire in Rochford in August that saw a huge blaze destroy hundreds of cars.
The fire service was called to a huge blaze in Purveys Way, Rochford on Friday August 1, which at its height, needed over 70 firefighters from all over Essex to extinguish.
Essex Fire since confirmed more than 700 cars were left damaged as a result of the fire. Despite thorough fire investigations, the cause of the fire has not been found, but the fire service has issued advice to all storage yard owners to help keep their businesses safe.
Business Engagement Officer, Alison Loades said: “These fires can be very dangerous and require a lot of our resources to extinguish.
“Scrap yards and storage yards are particularly more vulnerable to fire because of the collection of flammable materials held on site.
“Large fires like these can devastate a business, so we want to make sure business owners do everything they can to prevent fires occurring.”
The safety advice incudes having a Fire Risk Assessment; controlling waste stack height and maintain firebreaks; keeping a clean workspace to reduce fuel; isolating risky operations like shredding; using fire detection systems (e.g., smoke, heat, CCTV); considering fire suppression systems when needed; being equipped with firefighting tools; ensuring water supply for firefighting; enhancing security with CCTV, and establishing clear evacuation plans for all staff.
Ms Loades added: “As well as making sure your premises are fire safe, it is also important that all your staff are trained to recognise and respond to potential hazards and emergencies.
“This training should be refreshed regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do to keep safe and in case of an emergency.”
The tips can be read in full on their website at: essex-fire.gov.uk/news/advice-scrap-yard-owners-following-two-serious-fires.
Picture: The scrap yard in Rochford. Pic Essex Fire
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