Toxic cloud alert for residents after blaze at chemical works (with video)

Residents were woken by explosions yesterday which rocked their homes as flames took hold at Grosvenor Chemicals at Linthwaite, in the Colne Valley area of Huddersfield.

Last night, as the fire continued to burn, health experts warned some people could be affected by the chemicals in the smoke although it was not likely to cause long-term health problems.

Fire crews from 30 stations across West Yorkshire, with support from firefighters from Greater Manchester, prevented a potential disaster by stopping the fire spreading to large chemical storage tanks.

The blaze was contained in a storage area containing pesticides and glue-based products which caused a chemical smoke plume and a major pollution alert.

Residents, some of whom fled their homes with their children, were warned to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed.

The Environment Agency said some contaminated water had entered the nearby river Colne and tests were being carried out to determine the extent of the pollution.

A fire service spokeswoman said crews were called to the plant at 1.05am.

"Foam has been used to prevent the spread of fire and the fire is now under control due to the hard work of firefighters and an effective multi-agency response," she said.

The cause of the fire is being investigated and an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive has begun.

Residents described being woken by the noise of explosions. Les Fox, who lives opposite the chemical plant, said he saw neighbours fleeing in their cars with their children.

"I felt a massive shake, the glass rattled in the house," he said.

Questions are now being asked about the location of the chemical plant, which is near to hundreds of homes in a semi-rural part of Huddersfield.

The fire was so serious a new air quality body was deployed for the first time.

The Air Quality Cell – a group of technical experts chaired by the Environment Agency with the Health Protection Agency, Met Office, Health and Safety Laboratory and the Food Standards Agency – was called in to monitor air pollution.

The experts were testing for up to 25 different pollutants.

The Health Protection Agency is now reviewing this data to assess the risk to public health. A separate Environment Agency team was deployed to monitor water courses, including the river Colne.

Last night health experts moved to reassure local people the threat to health was not considered to be serious – but people with some pre-existing conditions may be affected by the smoke.

Dr Ebere Okereke, consultant in communicable disease control for the Health Protection Agency in West Yorkshire, said: "Analysis of the air quality monitoring results suggests the substances present in the smoke plume from this fire were not at significant enough levels to cause any long-term health effects.

"However, any smoke can be an irritant and some of the substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the air passages, the skin and the eyes. Chemicals in the smoke can also worsen existing respiratory health problems, although this should be short-lived.

She added: "West Yorkshire Fire Service has advised that, although the fire is now under control, it is continuing to burn. As a result, we would advise people who need to go outdoors to avoid areas affected by any smoke, ash or odour, or to limit the time that they spend in them.

"If concerned, staying indoors with the doors and windows closed will provide a good level of protection. The air quality continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis."

People with respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma may notice any effects more than others and should ensure they have any inhalers or other medication they use with them.