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March Of The Machines
We’re seeing a remarkable level of interest in purchasing aluminium window and door manufacturing equipment, writes Ian Latimer, MD at Emmegi...
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Banger Firm Goes Bust In Billowing Blaze
An early morning smoke-filled blaze at a sausage factory in Harlow recently destroyed the production facilities and put the firm our of business – a warning for all companies occupying relatively small insecure sites.
The devastating fire swept through the unsprinklered factory, sending plumes of orange smoke across the town.
Most small businesses suffering a fire do not resume trading.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service was called to the fire on 26 April when it broke out during the night shift. On arrival, the factory was 95% alight and 100% smoke logged which limited access. The blaze required 70 firefighters, 10 appliances and specialist equipment including aerial ladder platforms. It took 36 hours before fire crews could hand the site over to security staff. Fire crews were forced to return to the site four days later due to reports of smoke and a hot spot from an unstable part of the damaged building.
Impact
While night shift workers escaped unharmed, considerable resources were used by the fire and rescue service to control the fire. The impact on the local community and environment was significant with local road closures and residents forced to keep their windows and doors closed. If PVC-U windows rather than sausages had been ablaze, an evacuation might have been considered.
The disposal of the destroyed 2500sq.m building will cause an adverse environmental impact, while the materials and resources required to repair and rebuild it will incur significant financial costs.
In business for over 50 years, the family-run concern employed over 130 workers.
Fit for purpose?
It is interesting to note that this fire took place in a modestly-sized building, which the company referenced on its website as being a ‘21st century factory’ that was purpose built with the latest technology. The fire service worked hard to protect surrounding properties yet the intervention of 70 firefighters could not stop the fire in a building of this size.
A properly controlled fire can be the difference between a building requiring renovation or demolition. Halting the spread of fire when it is first detected is the best way to limit damage and minimise costs and impacts. Sprinklers have been shown to contain, control or extinguish fires in 99% of cases. The impacted business can be operational within hours.
Picture: A factory has been destroyed by fire in Harlow in Essex – with thanks to Essex Fire and Rescue.
www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
19th May 2022