Thank you to everyone for your kind words since the Chartwell Road Fire and for asking how the injured person is doing. LBP thought it was only right not to leave you hanging and provide a full update for you.

LBP are so pleased to report that the injured staff member is expected to make a full recovery, but it will take at least 6 weeks. They have some superficial burns which have already started to heal naturally, but their lower arms are the majority of the 8% burns.  

The NHS has a wonderful new treatment for this level of burns which meant that no debridement (removal of damaged skin) was required and donor-skin was carefully  placed over the lower arm burns to enable the body to regenerate naturally. They had their bandages changed on Wednesday and things are thankfully going to plan.

Below is the reason why it was fortunately only 8% burns and a full recovery is expected!

LBP has been on site and was amazed to see the impact of the fire. During the incident LBP thought it was two metal buildings that were on fire due the severity of the flames, but in fact it was only one metal building that was completely burnt out. The quick reactions of the staff, the fire protection measures on site and the skill of our emergency services meant the second metal building merely experienced soot on the inside of the walls and a small amount of denting to the front corner of the structure, but nothing was damaged inside the second building. This is not short of miraculous when you consider this is a scrapyard, which if mismanaged has the potential to spread fire like a wildfire.

When Coastline Metal Recycling Ltd took on the scrapyard, they reviewed the site for their intended use to determine the fire safety risks and therefore increased the fire prevention measures to prevent the spread of fire. Two of the measures implemented was installing additional fire-resistant Legioblocks and careful separation of waste categories. My word these measures did them proud last week. The depolluted vehicle oil and fuel tanks were safely barriered behind several lines of Legioblocks with deliberate space between each line and this worked a treat, as the tanks were completely untouched by the fire and remained safely intact.

Please see below the impact to the first line of Legioblocks which helped to hold the fire, but you can see just how hot that fire got and then the second line which still look brand new. Amazing technology for which LBP is very grateful!

          

When the fire broke out, Coastline Metal Recycling Ltd's carefully rehearsed fire procedures kicked straight into action. They provided immediate support for their injured colleague to minimise the severity of his burns and then they reactioned incredibly quickly to help keep the fire as much as possible under control until West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) arrived on the scene.

Another of their fire prevention measures was to increase the number of fire extinguishers in key areas and this came straight into play on the day, as they deployed the extinguishers at the source of the fire. Initially, the owner of Coastline Metal Recycling Ltd led his staff in their efforts, but then instructed them all to leave, whilst he continued to try to contain the fire. He was adamant he would continue to ensure the fire didn’t spread, until one of his staff physically pulled him out, just before WSFRS arrived. Now LBP really understands those blackened faces seen on the night.

Whilst the cause of the fire is still to be determine, LBP would like to commend all the efforts made by Coastline Metal Recycling Ltd to contain that fire and help ensure the safety of everyone surrounding the scrapyard and their sites.

The scrapyard has remained closed since the fire to enable a full clear-up of the scene. LBP are pleased to say that the scrapyard is expected to reopen for non-ferrous metals on Monday 2^nd November, but it will take a few weeks longer before they will be ready to reopen for ferrous metals and cars. LBP will keep you updated on the full reopening date.

This is a true example of how fire risk assessments and investment in fire protection measures really make a difference when it matters most!

WSFRS provide free preventative support and advice for businesses, with an online interactive Business Fire Safety Awareness Tool to help simplify the process. For further information please click here  

To view the initial update and photos from the fire please click here