Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Stafford fire: Firemen tackle warehouse blaze threatening to spread to 40,000 litres of oil

More than 50 firefighters have been tackling the fire at the premises of Global Hygiene's office and warehouse site

Richard Vernalls
Wednesday 02 March 2016 07:55 EST
Comments
Stratford fire

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Firefighters have been battling to stop a warehouse blaze spreading to 40,000 litres of industrial oil.

The fire was reported by a worker at the premises of an industrial cleaning supply firm in Stafford, Staffordshire, at about 8.43am on Wednesday.

More than 50 firefighters have been tackling the blaze at wholesaler Global Hygiene's office and warehouse site in Drummond Road.

Photos showed flames shooting from the building's roof
Photos showed flames shooting from the building's roof (PA)

Nearby businesses on the Astonfields Industrial Estate have been evacuated and residents told to keep their windows closed.

Photos and videos posted on social media showed flames shooting from the building's roof and a large, thick plume of black smoke rising over the town.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said one person was being treated for minor burns but there were no reports of any further casualties.

A fire brigade spokesman said there was "a large quantity of oil - a 40,000-litre container of heat transfer oil" on the premises, but it was not ablaze.

About 14 fire crews are attending the incident
About 14 fire crews are attending the incident (PA)

In total about 14 crews from both Staffordshire and the West Midlands Fire Service are attending the incident.

Emergency services have been using the nearby Stafford Rangers Football Club ground a few hundred yards away as a command post to organise the firefighting effort.

Nearby businesses on the Astonfields Industrial Estate have been evacuated
Nearby businesses on the Astonfields Industrial Estate have been evacuated (PA)

Rob Barber, Staffordshire Fire's director of response, said: "We are currently attending a large fire at Global Hygiene LLP on Astonfields Industrial Estate on Drummond Road in Stafford.

"Due to the significant amount of smoke that is billowing from the building, I would strongly advise residents to keep their windows and doors closed."

Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in