Today (Thursday, December 11) marks the 20th anniversary of the Buncefield fire, which took place on Sunday, December 11, 2005.
Hemel Hempstead was propelled into the national spotlight following a major explosion at the Buncefield Oil Depot, which triggered the largest peacetime fire in Europe.
Emergency services were called out just after 6am, triggering a large-scale response that saw dozens of fire engines and support units rush to the scene. In total, around 180 firefighters spent days battling the blaze, which sent a towering column of smoke drifting across southern England.
No lives were lost, but more than 40 people were treated for injuries. The explosion and fire caused serious damage to nearby buildings, forced businesses to shut and brought travel in the area to a standstill. Around 2,000 residents living closest to the blast zone had to be evacuated as a precaution.
In the aftermath, teams worked to make affected properties safe. More than 300 homes (a mix of council and privately owned) were secured, and 30 families were placed in temporary accommodation because they could not immediately return. The impact on the local economy was also significant, with around 370 businesses, employing roughly 16,500 workers, disrupted by the incident.
Once the fire was finally extinguished and the immediate danger had passed, a community recovery group was formed to oversee the longer-term response and support those affected.
To mark the anniversary, Hemel Hempstead Fire Station will host a remembrance event today (Thursday, December 11) recognising the efforts of crews and partner agencies involved in managing the disaster and the lessons learned afterwards.
Leader of Dacorum Borough Council councillor Sally Symington said: “As we mark the 20th anniversary of the Buncefield fire, it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the exceptional response of our emergency services in battling such a large-scale and hazardous blaze, and our council teams and partner organisations in supporting our residents and businesses.
“It is also a moment to reflect on the remarkable resilience shown by our community in the aftermath of such a significant incident in our borough and show our gratitude for the ongoing commitment and bravery of our Fire and Rescue Service personnel.”
0 Comments