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There will be a lot of incendiary items falling back down - the potential for collateral fires will be quite high, but I think we can be assured that those with the hoses will be aware of that.Though of course the fire may well have impacted on other areas of the estate, beyond merely shutting it down. Let's hope not, anyway.
I wonder if they have vehicles inside there?Saw a guy from Richard Wrights walking away saying the unit is not looking good!!
At least the canal is handy for a water supply.
Somebody mentioned that the fireworks business concerned had had an accident or theft some time ago. You have to hope, really hope, that this event is no more than coincidence.
Police said:Staffordshire Fire and Rescue have brought the fire under control and are working to extinguish it as quickly as possible.
The building is still alight and has sustained significant damage.
Supt Jane Hewett from Staffordshire Police said “At this stage police and fire are working to establish the cause of the explosion, sadly we currently believe one person remains unaccounted for and police are working to support their family. We are currently arranging for a search of the scene tomorrow morning once the fire has been extinguished and the scene made safe.
“The cause of the explosion remains unclear at this point. Police are working to locate everyone who had been in the premises this afternoon and urge anyone with any information about those visiting SP Fireworks today to call Staffordshire Police on 101.”
Staffordshire Police Statement - Emergency services are currently dealing with a large fire following an explosion at a fireworks factory earlier this evening. Police, Fire and Ambulance services were called by members of the public across the Stafford area reporting a large explosion and smoke from the large factory unit on Baswich Industrial Estate.Their statement also mentions that 1 person is still unaccounted for
In this country, also - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-29008976 - not long ago.From experience in our country, fireworks can do some nasty tricks when stocked in large quantities....
Units 7 & 8, I believe? https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=stafford&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Stafford, United Kingdom&gl=uk&ll=52.801595,-2.08269&spn=0.001432,0.002411&t=h&z=19&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=52.801605,-2.082869&panoid=l6lu2SdxETvcqEU1kHZqaw&cbp=12,133.8,,1,-3.63SP Fireworks is not connected to Richard Wright. They are opposite across the road. .... There is also a storage area further along from the shop. It's not obvious if it is the shop or storage that went up first. My thoughts are with Richard and the team. My team have been gathered in our local in shock....
.... indeed, my first thought when I saw that vid ....A "Burgess night" for those who remember?