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13/12/2005
Main fires extinguished at oil depot
The main fires at Buncefield oil depot in Hemel Hempstead have been extinguished, it has been reported.
Many people have also been able to return to homes and businesses near the depot, while schools that had been closed are now likely to re-open tomorrow.
More than 150 firefighters had been tackling the fire, which broke out following a series of explosions at the site around 6am on Sunday morning.
On Monday afternoon, fire crews were forced to suspend their efforts to control the fire, following fears that another fuel tank could explode.
However, prior to the withdrawal, firefighters had managed to extinguish the fires in 12 of the tanks, by smothering the fire with 32,000 litres of water per minute mixed with foam.
The fire is believed to have been the largest of its kind seen in the UK and Europe in peacetime.
Forty-three people have been injured as a result of the explosions and fire. Two people were seriously injured, and one remains in intensive care suffering from respiratory problems, but is reported to be in a stable condition.
The Buncefield depot, which is operated by Total and part owned by Texaco, is the country’s fifth largest fuel distribution depot. It stores oil, petrol and kerosene and supplies airports across the region, including Heathrow and Luton. BP, Shell and British pipeline also use the depot.
Downing Street has acknowledged that the blasts could cause “short-term local difficulties” with fuel supplies, but urged drivers not to panic-buy.
Total has set up a helpline to help those people whose property was damaged in the blast. The number is: 0870 400 0499.
Police have also established a hotline for residents and businesses affected by the blasts. The number is: 0800 0960095.
(KMcA/SP)
Many people have also been able to return to homes and businesses near the depot, while schools that had been closed are now likely to re-open tomorrow.
More than 150 firefighters had been tackling the fire, which broke out following a series of explosions at the site around 6am on Sunday morning.
On Monday afternoon, fire crews were forced to suspend their efforts to control the fire, following fears that another fuel tank could explode.
However, prior to the withdrawal, firefighters had managed to extinguish the fires in 12 of the tanks, by smothering the fire with 32,000 litres of water per minute mixed with foam.
The fire is believed to have been the largest of its kind seen in the UK and Europe in peacetime.
Forty-three people have been injured as a result of the explosions and fire. Two people were seriously injured, and one remains in intensive care suffering from respiratory problems, but is reported to be in a stable condition.
The Buncefield depot, which is operated by Total and part owned by Texaco, is the country’s fifth largest fuel distribution depot. It stores oil, petrol and kerosene and supplies airports across the region, including Heathrow and Luton. BP, Shell and British pipeline also use the depot.
Downing Street has acknowledged that the blasts could cause “short-term local difficulties” with fuel supplies, but urged drivers not to panic-buy.
Total has set up a helpline to help those people whose property was damaged in the blast. The number is: 0870 400 0499.
Police have also established a hotline for residents and businesses affected by the blasts. The number is: 0800 0960095.
(KMcA/SP)
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