The plant at Yokesford Hill, Hampshire, was struck by lightning twice in the early hours, the first bolt causing the waste to gasify, and the second igniting it.
The company says operations were reported to be ‘business as usual’ 72 hours after the fire, with the plant still able to produce 6F5 and Type 1 along with shredded wood chip for biomass fuel.
Extensive repairs
While the building has been deemed structurally sound, the company said “extensive repairs” need to be made, including recladding and rewiring.
The bulk of the devastation was caused by smoke damage, and staff are currently preparing to commence a deep clean before the major work begins.
Philip Liddell, managing director at Ace Liftaway, commented: “We are very proud to be back in business so soon after this major incident and it is all thanks to our staff and support contractors who have been so committed to getting us back on our feet.”
Fire
Ace Liftaway said firefighters from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service arrived on the scene “very quickly” and brought the fire under control to stop it from spreading.
Due to the internal design of the building with four metre high concrete walls, a five metre bulk head and the soil bund dividing the waste hall, the company said that the fire was contained to one area only.
Ace Liftaway staff were deployed to remove the waste which assisted the fire service in bringing it under control.
Due to a fire prevention plan, the business said that vehicles and mobile plant equipment were parked at strategic locations so they were never at risk of fire damage.
There were no injuries reported.
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