Cement factory blaze investigated

The blaze was in the production tower of the plant

A fire at a cement factory in Flintshire is being investigated by the Environment Agency.

The blaze at the Castle Cement plant in Padeswood, near Mold, started on the seventh floor of the production tower early on Monday.

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it involved 100 kilograms of rubber chippings on a conveyor belt.

No environmental impact has been detected, but Environment Agency officials are investigating the cause.

Fire crews were called to the scene at 1206 BST on Monday, and extinguished the blaze, which is believed to have been started by conducted heat.

The fire service's Environmental Protection Unit also carried out procedures aimed at limiting the blaze's environmental impact, including isolating drains.

Environment Agency area manager Keith Ashcroft said: "We make sure that any such incident on sites we regulate are thoroughly investigated.

"While this fire was relatively small scale, we are investigating the cause to ensure that arrangements are put in place to stop it happening again."

A spokesman for Castle Cement said: "There was a small fire incident in the pre-heater tower.

"The fire brigade put it out quickly. We are investigating the cause of the fire."