Safety inspectors investigate blaze which engulfed site in Essex
The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the cause of the fire at Highlands Farm.
Inspectors from the workplace safety watchdog have been called in to investigate a large blaze which engulfed several industrial units and a field in Essex last week.
Around 100 firefighters were dispatched to Highlands Farm, near Rettendon, on Friday to tackle the blaze, which saw fertiliser inside one of the units explode while fire crews were on the scene.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the national regulator for workplace safety, is investigating the cause of the fire and explosion, with inspectors examining the scene and making inquiries with residents.
In a statement the HSE said on Thursday: “The focus of HSE’s investigation is to establish whether there has been any breach of workplace health and safety regulations."
“In carrying out our own investigation, our inspectors continue to work in close co-operation with Essex County Fire & Rescue Service as its firefighters work to bring the site to a safe resolution.”
The body said it will determine whether any breaches contributed to the fire and the subsequent explosion, adding that it is in contact with Essex Police.
The HSE also said it is looking into the site itself as well as the incident response, which was led by Essex County Fire & Rescue Service.
The ECFR said three fire engines and two officer cars were destroyed in the “large and rapidly developing” blaze."
Twenty firefighters were taken to hospital and most were quickly discharged although four suffered minor injuries.
Nearby residents were evacuated while the fire was being extinguished as firefighters battled it overnight.
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service first notified the HSE of the incident on Friday July 24.