A chemical container has been damaged in a fire at a factory in Chippenham – sparking a huge 999 response this morning (Thursday).
Emergency services were called to semiconductor manufacturer Littelfuse, off Langley Park Way, at around 10.40am following reports of a blaze.
Due to the danger posed to responding firefighters, the ambulance service’s Hazardous Area Response Team was deployed to the scene.
Nine fire crews from Chippenham, Corsham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Trowbridge, Devizes, Westlea, Calne and Westbury are in attendance.
An aerial ladder platform appliance from Swindon and a command unit from Pewsey were also mobilised to provide further assistance.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) confirmed that the flames are now believed to be out – after six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one main jet, one hose reel jet and a safety jet to extinguish.
A chemical container, which was damaged by fire, is being managed by firefighters. DWFRS say there is not thought to be any wider risk to the public.
Amanda Hatfield, who is the Environmental Health and Safety Manager Littelfuse, disputes the fire service statement — stating that claims about a chemical container being affected are incorrect.
DWFRS statement in full
“We were called at 10.40am today (17 September) near to Langley Park Way, Chippenham to reports of a fire affecting a commercial property.
“Crews from Chippenham (x2), Corsham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Trowbridge, Devizes, Westlea, Calne and Westbury are currently in attendance alongside an aerial ladder platform from Swindon and a command unit from Pewsey.
“The fire is now believed to be out, and six breathing apparatus used one main jet, one hose reel jet and a safety jet to extinguish.
“The fire affected a chemical container, and we are now dealing with this. We don’t believe there is a wider impact to the public, and the incident is currently being scaled back.”
