Chemical spill prompts evacuation at Stevenage Industrial Unit
Hertfordshire fire and rescue service say their response has now been scaled back
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) responded to a chemical spill this morning at an industrial unit on Cockerell Close, Stevenage, leading to an evacuation and on-site decontamination.
The emergency was reported shortly before 7 a.m., prompting the deployment of six fire engines and a specialist decontamination unit. HFRS crews identified a leaking ammonia storage tank inside the building. An evacuation was conducted, and one individual underwent decontamination at the scene.
The leak was contained within the building and posed no risk to the surrounding area. Firefighters, wearing specialist suits, worked with on-site engineers to secure the leak and ventilate the premises.
The site has now been handed back to its owners, and emergency services have left the scene.
Mark Barber, Assistant Chief Fire Officer of HFRS, remarked, "Our specialist training and equipment ensured that we were able to respond quickly and efficiently to contain a chemical leak. Responding to possible toxic and dangerous situations is just one of the many services that our crews deliver in order to keep our communities safe. I'd like to thank those who attended for their ongoing commitment to doing so."