Homes evacuated after chemical fire at Camden
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Thick black smoke hovers over the Camden Group’s Greystone HQ on Monday during a blaze, which forced dozens of families to be evacuated from nearby homes.
MORE than 50 homes were evacuated on Monday as police feared possible toxic fumes caused by a major fire in an Antrim factory containing hazardous chemicals could endanger neighbouring residents.
Flames broke out in the Camden Group's multi-million pound glazing factory on the Greystone Road causing thick black smoke to engulf the surrounding sky.
Families in the Caulside area, adjacent to the plant, were evacuated to the Antrim Forum after Antrim Council implemented an emergency plan, transforming the building into a temporary 'rest centre' for affected homeowners.
Other residents were instructed to keep windows closed and stay indoors to reduce the risk of inhaling the toxic smoke. Eleven fire engines and three specialist appliances were deployed to the scene as well as a Command Support Unit from Lisburn in an attempt to tackle the blaze.
Fire and Rescue Service said it was aware of a 'possible chemical involvement' after receiving the call around 1.50pm.
Employees at the state-of-the-art plant were rushed out of the burning factory and could only watch by the roadside as the fire took hold.
One member of staff, who witnessed the fire first hand outlined their ordeal.
“It was really scary as you didn't know what was happening," he said. "It happened so quick and the flames were fierce."
The employee explained how the fire broke out in an isolated room.
“I think it's a crystalite chemical fire, which is kept in a room of its own. After the room went up, the roof followed and the next thing I knew the whole place was ablaze."
Another member of staff, who captured the fire on a mobile camera phone, said: "It was unbelievable how quickly the whole place just went up in flames. Within ten minutes the whole factory was on fire."
