The service dispatched a number of firefighters after fire control received a call from the site confirming that multiple explosions were coming from inside a shipping container.
On arrival, fire crews found that there were two shipping containers that required careful monitoring. Firefighters were forced to remain at a safe distance as the large explosions continued, and they set a 1 km cordon around the two containers, which was later reduced to 600 m. A police drone was used to assist with visual and thermal inspections. It was found that of the two containers, one had been completely destroyed by the exploding fireworks, while the other, which contained 1 ton of fireworks, remained intact.
Event Horizon’s premises
Hazardous Area Response Team worked to evacuate residents to a local rest center
The incident took place at Event Horizon’s premises, an engineering company with a specialization in the use of explosive materials for the film industry.
In addition to the cordon, officers identified 20 properties within the exclusion zone, and police and the Hazardous Area Response Team worked to evacuate residents to a local rest center.
Bonfire Night
With the incident taking place so close to Bonfire Night, DSFRS tweeted: “If you’re in the Ashcott area, near Street, do not doublecheck the date, Bonfire Night is still a week away. However, you may be hearing some pops and bangs as we’re currently dealing with an incident at a pyrotechnics factory.”
“We have crews at the scene and there’s no immediate danger to anyone. However, if you are close by, please keep your doors and windows closed to keep smoke out of your property,” it added.
With the cordon in place, crews allowed the fire to burn out by itself, with DSFRS confirming: “No firefighting action is planned at this stage, and the fire is being allowed to burn out naturally.” Later that evening, crews were able to approach the containers safely and secure the surrounding area.