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Blast fears at chemical fire site Blast fears at chemical fire site
(about 2 hours later)
Eighty firefighters are tackling a fire at a Herefordshire chemical plant. Hundreds of people were told to leave their homes as emergency crews warned of possible explosions following a blaze at a chemical plant.
Nearly 200 people were told to leave their homes due to the possible danger of explosions during the blaze at Skymark, Southern Avenue, Leominster. Up to 90 firefighters were tackling the blaze at Skymark in Southern Avenue, Leominster, Herefordshire.
The two-storey building contains "a large quantity of chemicals, solvents and LPG gas cylinders" but there are no casualties, the fire service said. The plant contained gas cylinders which could "going off like an uncontrolled missile", fire chiefs said.
There have been "minor explosions", but it was not known if those explosions were gas cylinders, a spokesman added. No casualties were reported. A 400m exclusion zone was set up in the area and a refuge centre established.
Fire crews reported "minor explosions", but it was not known if they were caused by butane canisters, a spokesman added.
They said that the two-storey building also contained a large quantity of chemicals and solvents.
'Wake up''Wake up'
It is understood some 50,000 litres of chemicals together with a number of butane gas cylinders are at the site on the outskirts of Leominster. It is understood some 50,000 litres of chemicals together with a number of butane gas cylinders are at the site, which stores paints and plastics, on the outskirts of Leominster.
The chemical causing the most concern is a type of isocyanate which can be toxic, and is used to make clear plastic films used in packaging. The chemical causing the most concern is a type of isocyanate which can be toxic, is commonly used in vehicle paint and can cause asthma.
The fire service spokesman said: "A plume of black smoke carrying chemicals out of this factory premises can be seen for many miles away." It is not yet known what started the fire.
A 200m (218.72yd) exclusion zone has been set up in the area and a refuge centre has been set up at a sports centre. A fire service spokesman said: "There were a number of butane gas cylinders in the premises and if they go off it is like an uncontrolled Exocet missile."
People have been advised to stay indoors and close all windows and doors. The Met Office has advised the fire service about wind speed and direction
The service, which was tackling the blaze externally, added that a plume of black smoke carrying chemicals could be seen "for many miles away".
Up to 200 people, who were made to leave their homes, were taken to the refuge centre set up at a leisure centre in Bridge Street.
The ambulance service said crews helped an elderly couple in wheelchairs and another elderly woman from their homes.
People immediately outside the exclusion zone were advised to stay indoors and close all windows and doors.
The Minster College, Leominster Infants, Leominster Junior and Westfield Special schools were closed and A-level and GCSE examinations were cancelled.
'Considerable number'
Leominster Community Hospital has been closed to minor injuries and people were being asked to go to Hereford County Hospital instead.
Trains were unable to call at Leominster railway station and because of the severity of the fire, and there was no replacement road transport.
Bus services were also disrupted.
The A49 was shut between the north roundabout, by the Fina petrol station, and the Worcester Road roundabout.
The whole of Southern Avenue was closed from the cemetery junction on the B4361 Hereford Road, through to Worcester Road roundabout.
Many roads have been closed following the fireMany roads have been closed following the fire
The fire service spokesman said: "We're having to tackle the blaze externally because of the dangers, not just to our firefighters but also to the immediate population around that area." Worcester Road in the town and Etnam Street to the South Street junction was also closed.
The Minster College, Leominster Infants, Leominster Junior and Westfield Special schools have been closed. The fire service was called at about 0330 BST on Wednesday and between 80 and 90 firefighters from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire were sent to the scene.
Trains have been unable to call at Leominster railway station and because of the severity of the fire, there is no replacement road transport, National Rail said at about 0815 BST. A "very considerable number" would be here all day on Wednesday and into the night, the fire service said.
Local bus services have been cancelled and many roads have been closed. It said the Environment Agency had been trying to prevent any spillage into nearby rivers and streams.
'Right across' Jim Melia, who lives near to the scene, said: "About 5 o'clock this morning we heard just the odd emergency sound of an ambulance or something and it happened a few times.
The fire service was called at about 0330 BST on Wednesday and the site was well alight when crews got there.
Between 80 and 90 firefighters from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire were sent to the scene.
The fire service said the Environment Agency had been trying to prevent any spillage into nearby rivers and streams.
Jim Melia, who lives near to the scene, said it was on the southern edge of the town and there was a plume of black smoke "going right across" Leominster.
Speaking from a hill overlooking the town, he said: "The plume of smoke is going to the north over the town.
"About 5 o'clock this morning we heard just the odd emergency sound of an ambulance or something and it happened a few times.
"I think they were just trying to wake people up and make them aware something was going on.""I think they were just trying to wake people up and make them aware something was going on."
The Met Office has been advising the fire service about wind speed and direction.The Met Office has been advising the fire service about wind speed and direction.
The fire service said it expected to be at the scene for the rest of the day.
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