‘Foam wall’ investigated after chemical fire
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13 April 2015
An investigation is underway into a 30m ‘wall of foam’ which appeared after firefighters tackled a blaze at a chemical plant in Greater Manchester.
The fire broke out at Carbogen Amcis Ltd in Clayton, which develops and produces pharmaceuticals. A huge plume of smoke was seen rising from the scene.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service warned local residents to remain indoors while as man as 50 firefighters tackled the blaze.
Crews used a variety of water jets to bring the fire under control and reported that the foam had started appearing in the nearby Ashton Canal following the incident.
The Environment Agency confirmed that after tests there was no impact to water quality in the area or on wildlife.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority spokeswoman told ABC News that she did not believe the foam was a result of firefighting materials.
Original sources
Commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.