04 Sep 2012
A host of firefighters were needed in Winchcombe on Saturday when a blaze broke out at a paper mill in the small Gloucestershire town.
More than 70 officers from 10 different stations were busy tackling the fire at the height of the incident at Postlip Mill, which started at approximately 2pm on Saturday afternoon.
Specialist equipment was also required as the fire spread to the roof space. A spokesman for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue service said that the crews’ attempts to put out the blaze were affected by the chemicals that were stored in the building.
“Essential environmental measures were undertaken by the fire service in conjunction with the environmental agency and staff at the mills to successfully ensure minimal impact to both the personnel and surrounding area,” he confirmed.
An investigation into the cause of the fire has now begun and, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a ‘suitable and sufficient’ fire risk assessment should have been carried out.
Such an assessment must be conducted on all commercial properties in England and Wales and failure to comply can lead to an unlimited fine or even a prison sentence of up to two years for the responsible person.
Copyright Press Association 2012