Staffordshire business devastated by fire started by burning cardboard
A workshop business has been completely destroyed by a huge blaze which started after cardboard being burned by the owner spread to cars.
Dozens of firefighters tackled the fire which took hold at the business on an industrial estate near Stafford last night.
Crews were forced to retreat when a gas cylinder exploded at the unit on the Hixon Airfield Industrial Estate.
A total of 15 vehicles were caught up in the fire, with Staffordshire Fire revealing the owner of the site has 'lost his entire business'.
Crews from Stone, Rugeley, Stafford, Hanley, Longton & Rising Brook attended the scene at Hixon Airfield industrial estate.
The fire included a garage unit that was engulfed in flames and firefighters were working to protect the surrounding buildings.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene just after 8pm last night to reports of several oil drums on fire near a HGV.
When tackling the fire a acetylene cylinder exploded, forcing the crews back, but no one was injured.
Severn Trent Water were also working with the crews on water pressure and supply.
After getting the fire under control Staffordshire Fire crews stayed on site this morning to monitor the incident.
Station Manager Paul Shaw said: “This is an extremely sad incident as the owner has lost his entire business. The building is 100 per cent damaged as are the vehicles on the estate.
“During the incident it became clear the owner had been burning cardboard just outside his workshop. When he went inside and left the fire unattended it spread to a nearby vehicle and then to the workshop. The blaze had already taken strong hold of the property when the owner was alerted to the fire and called the Service.
“This incident is a stark reminder not to burn waste yourself and if you are going to do so please do not leave it unattended. These bonfires can quickly get out of control which is what happened here. You can also inform Fire Control of a controlled burn so we are already aware of it.
“Our Business Support Team is working closely with the landlord and will continue to support him whilst he deals with the result of this devastating incident.”
