Oswestry Waste Paper, which is owned by Paperback Collection and Recycling, lost several bales of paper in the blaze, according to head of fire safety for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service Mike Ablitt.
” The fire is not believed to be connected to the other incidents that occurred on the estate on the same night. But this is a timely reminder to all businesses to take precautions against arson.“
– Mike Ablitt, Shropshire Fire and Rescue
Officers were called to the Mile Oak Industrial Estate at 3.30 on Thursday morning. Four crews and four vehicles were present on site, supported by several specialist safety officers.
According to the company the fire caused extensive damage to operations at the Oswestry site, but plans are in place to keep the business running.
Gordon Anderson, owner and managing director of Paperback Collection Ltd, said: “Whilst considerable damage has been inflicted on plant equipment and premises, the business is able to continue trading and is in contact with all major contractors. Contingency plans to enable the business to continue operating are already in place.”
The fire brigade fought the fire through the night and officers were present during the day on Thursday damping down.
Reminder
Mr Ablitt said that there was no reason to suspect that the incident was suspicious, but he did add that several cars had been set alight on the same estate the previous night.
He added: “The fire is not believed to be connected to the other incidents that occurred on the estate on the same night. But this is a timely reminder to all businesses to take precautions against arson.”
Fire officers will now begin an investigation into the cause of the fire. Mr Anderson added: “The company is co-operating fully with the Police and Shropshire Fire Service to ascertain the cause of the blaze as our first priority.
“I would like to thank the police and fire service for their swift action in bringing a potentially dangerous situation quickly and effectively under control” he added.
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