Ammonia leak contained at Bernard Matthews site in Suffolk
Crews managed the incident following a leak near Halesworth
Fire crews have been responding to an ammonia leak near Halesworth this morning (14 August).
Firefighters arrived to find a ruptured pipeline at the Bernard Matthews site which had caused approximately 3,500 litres of anhydrous ammonia to leak within the plant room.
Site engineers took steps to isolate the leak while firefighters established monitoring and decontamination arrangements.
The incident initially required attendance from multiple stations, including Holbrook, Saxmundham, Wrentham, Reydon, Southwold, Halesworth, Bungay, Haverhill, Ixworth, and Lowestoft South.
As the operation progressed, ammonia readings decreased significantly.
By 6:22am, the incident had been reduced to two appliances on site, and monitoring continued with site staff to ensure safety.
Risk levels were assessed as low, and the incident was contained within the site.
There is no risk to the public, but those in the immediate area are advised to seek medical advice if experiencing symptoms like irritation or breathing difficulties.
Site engineers have now taken over the situation.
Ongoing gas monitoring will be conducted until ammonia levels naturally dissipate.
A stop was called at 7:22am, concluding the firefighting efforts.