16 December 2005
The Health & Safety Executive and Environment Agency began a thorough investigation this week into the explosion and fire at Britain's fifth-largest oil depot at Buncefield in Hertfordshire.
Bob Woodward, regional head of the HSE's hazardous installations unit, said there had been a 'release of fuel' and the investigation would focus on finding out what that source of ignition had been.
The fire began on December 11, causing devastation over a wide area and sending a cloud of oil smoke across southern England, and injuring 43 people. As firefighters finally doused the blaze on December 14, residents living near the depot were returning home and schools were reopening, according to Hertfordshire County Council.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott told the Commons that the government would provide support and assistance. Prescott said the emergency services and other agencies had acted with 'speed, efficiency and dedication'.
But the Fire Brigades Union has accused Hertfordshire Fire Authority of being 'woefully prepared' to deal with the blaze.
National officer Geoff Ellis said it was 'amazing' the chief fire officer had admitted it had no officers trained to deal with such an incident.
PFdec2005
