Ocado fire: Fears of explosion and toxic leak prompts evacuation order
An exclusion zone is in place 500 metres around the site and locals are being told to keep windows and doors shut and stay inside.
Thursday 7 February 2019 11:46, UK
Firefighters evacuated people from properties near an Ocado warehouse blaze amid fears of a toxic gas leak or an explosion.
An exclusion zone was put in place around the area in Andover, Hampshire, where the fire began in the early hours of Tuesday morning due to the risk of toxins being released or large pressurised cylinders exploding.
The online supermarket giant apologised on Thursday morning to those who had to be evacuated as the order was lifted because the explosive materials had been removed, although firefighters were still working to put the fire out.
More than 200 firefighters battled to put out the flames and a school was used as a rest centre.
"We apologise to all those affected by this incident and are very thankful to the people of Andover for their understanding and support during this difficult period," a statement from Ocado said.
The company paid for hotel rooms for those who were evacuated and sent its distinctive Ocado vans packed with food, drink, nappies and other essentials to Andover to help.
The exclusion zone was 500 metres around the warehouse, situated on the Walworth industrial estate.
People who live in the area were told to keep their windows and doors shut and stay at home unless otherwise told.
The fire, which began on Tuesday morning, was declared a major incident that evening and took a "dramatic turn" on Wednesday morning.
By lunchtime on Wednesday firefighters said they had the blaze under control, but they expect to remain on site for at least another few days.
Part of the warehouse roof collapsed but the firm said no members of staff or the public were injured as the warehouse is robot operated.
Four firefighters had been treated for slight smoke inhalation, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said.
Ocado has said the fire has caused "substantial damage" and will limit its ability to meet growing customer demand until it can shift operations to other warehouses.
The retailer said it had already been forced to cancel some customer orders and it was "working hard to resume normal service as soon as possible".
Ocado said the fire started in a corner of the grid of groceries above which its robots assemble orders, as it stressed that it had comprehensive insurance for the property, stock and equipment, and for business interruption losses.
Shares in the online grocer fell 8%, with the stock down 6.3% by close of trading on Wednesday.
Its hi-tech robotic warehouse provides around 10% of Ocado's warehouse capacity, processing more than 30,000 orders a week.