Offices evacuated following industrial blaze in Theale

Rail services suspended and 200 metre cordon thrown around unit at Kennet Weir Industrial Park, Theale

AROUND 30 firefighters are attending a major blaze at an industrial park in Theale which has resulted in evacuation of nearby offices.

The railway line near to Unit two at Kennet View Business Park in Arrowhead Road, where the fire has broken out, has also been closed, as a 200 metre safety cordon has been thrown around the zone.

Aceytlene gas cylinders, which contain oxygen used for welding, have caught fire, and with explosive materials present, the firefighters, gathered from four forces, cannot approach the blaze in case of an explosion.

A thermal imaging robot unit from London has been seconded, and is currently on its way to the scene.

A spokeswoman from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, Nicole Targett, said the call had come in at 9.23am.

“Network Rail has suspended service and a large number of people from nearby offices have been evacuated, and West Berkshire Council are dealing with those at present,” she said.

Thames Valley Police are also on scene dealing with traffic flow.

The railway line has been closed and more than 100 people have been evacuated from the area.

Gas cylinders are present and as a result a 200 metre cordon has been thrown around the incident, in accordance with national safety guidelines.

Four fire appliances and a control vehicle are present.

As of 12.07pm, the fire service has said an update will be published later this afternoon.

A West Berkhire Council spokesman, Keith Ulyatt, said the authority's emergency planning officer is on scene to assist.

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