Massive Blaze at Marchwood Waste Site Draws Huge Emergency Response
Firefighters, police, and ambulance crews swooped on Biffa Waste Services Ltd at Marchwood Industrial Estate on Monday 8 August 2016. At the peak, the inferno needed 10 fire engines, two aerial ladders, numerous support vehicles, and over 100 emergency personnel tackling the blaze.
Huge Waste Fire Sparks Emergency Operation
The fire broke out in a building holding 400 tonnes of household rubbish. Around 150 tonnes were fully ablaze. Fire crews battled the flames all day, through the night, and into Tuesday. They deployed 50 breathing apparatus sets, eight water jets, and aerial ladder monitors to fight the fire. More than 100 tonnes of burning waste had to be removed from the site to finally bring the flames under control.
Fire Extinguished But Close Watch Continues
The blaze was declared out at 13:44 on Tuesday 9 August 2016. Emergency services are now keeping a close eye on the remaining waste to prevent any flare-ups. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Residents affected by the smoke plume were advised to keep windows and doors shut as a precaution, but that warning has now been lifted.
Clean-Up Underway After Disaster
Staff at the site have begun a major clean-up operation to clear the aftermath of the blaze.
