Update: Investigation into cause of fire at Swaffham industrial unit to start today

Martin George Friday, March 8, 2013
2:14 PM

An investigation will begin today into the cause of a fire that saw 40 firefighters descend on a Swaffham industrial unit last night.

The scene of the fire this evening at an industrial unit in Lynn Road, Swaffham.

Three crews of firefighters were initially called to the site near Travis Perkins on Lynn Road at 6.37pm yesterday after smoke was seen coming from the building, which is used for storage.

However, police, paramedics and a hazardous area response team were called when the initial responders raised fears the building could contain potentially dangerous chemicals.

Firefighters initially went into a “defensive mode” to prevent the fire from spreading while they awaited information about what was inside, and nearby residents were advised to stay inside and close their doors and windows.

Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus entered at about 9.30pm after being told the items were “low hazard”, and the incident was declared over at about 11.30pm.

Firefighters changing their boots as the operation to extinguish the fire drew to a close

A fire service spokesman said a fire investigation team would visit the site today, and police said they are no longer involved.