Warehouse blaze 'was not arson'

Advertisement

Workers are waiting to see what will happen to their jobs

A blaze at a warehouse in Leicestershire, which took about 100 firefighters to bring under control, is not thought to have been suspicious.

Twelve appliances, including fire crews from Lincolnshire, tackled the blaze at Asfordby Storage and Haulage in Saxby Road in Melton Mowbray overnight.

Firefighters are continuing to damp the fire down, keeping acetylene cylinders cool to stop them exploding.

Police said Saxby Road would remain closed to traffic for several hours.

No-one was injured in the blaze and the area was evacuated after firefighters were called to the warehouse at about 2200 BST on Thursday.

'Black soot'

Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames about 60ft (18m) high coming from the roof of the warehouse.

Fire Officer Dave Glenis said it was not yet known what had caused the fire but initial findings did not point to arson.

"The fire investigator had a quick look last night, questioned a few people and he's happy it wasn't arson but he will carry on this morning," said Mr Glenis.

It is understood about 90 people work at the warehouse where Mars products, including tinned dog and cat food, are repackaged.

About 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at the warehouse overnight

Mr Glenis said: "I'd say that about 70% of the building or the stock, is completely destroyed by fire.

"We've got a collapsed wall on the far side, fairly severe roof damage so I don't think they will be open for business for a few weeks yet."

Melton residents were told to keep their doors and windows closed while the smoke from the fire dispersed.

Helen Astle, of BBC Radio Leicester, said ash from the blaze at Unit One of Asfordby Storage and Haulage had fallen over Melton "like a black soot".

At one stage firefighters said they could hear food cans "popping" as they exploded in the heat and their "greatest fear" had been the potential effect on a nearby electricity substation.

This supplies Melton Mowbray and Oakham in Rutland, and closing down the sub-station was considered.

Acetylene cylinders also remain a risk and will have cooling jets poured on them over the weekend.

Fire Officer Glenis said: "They are highly volatile and can go off like bombs."

Crews are expected to remain at the site over the weekend to continue damping down.

---

Are you in the area? What did you see? Send us your comments using the form below.

Name

Your E-mail address

Town & Country

Phone number (optional):

Comments

The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide.

Terms & Conditions