Disaster averted after fire at radioactive Urenco plant at Capenhurst

Feb 29 2012 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Ellesmere Port Pioneer

A NUCLEAR scare was triggered at Urenco when a fire started in a workshop.

Firefighters from stations across Cheshire attended the uranium enrichment plant.

The proximity of the fire to radioactive uranium meant a carefully prepared action plan was set in motion and crews from Warrington, Ellesmere Port, Winsford and Chester all arrived at the Capenhurst Lane site at 3.26pm on Wednesday, February 22.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and staff from the plant put the fire out using a CO2 extinguisher.

Paul Watts, station manager for Ellesmere Port said: “We work with all of our major industrial sites to ensure we are well prepared for incidents at their premises, which I must stress is a rare occurrence. We have an excellent relationship with Urenco and regularly train alongside their on-site emergency teams.

“This incident was a small fire that was dealt with quickly using a CO2 extinguisher.

“We work with all of our major industrial sites to ensure we are well prepared for incidents at their premises, which I must stress is a rare occurrence. We have an excellent relationship with Urenco and regularly train alongside their on-site emergency teams.

“This incident was a small fire that was dealt with quickly using a CO2 extinguisher.”