An investigation has been launched as to whether correct procedures were in place at the time of a major blaze in Kirkdale.
A report to Liverpool Council ’s neighbourhoods select committee revealed the Environment Agency (EA) is looking into operating procedures at Norton Scrap and Co following a huge fire at the site last September.
More than a dozen fire engines battled the inferno for almost two days at the Bank Hall Street location with around 150 scrap cars alight.
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Following the fire and several others in the area, a panel was set up to establish how such events could be prevented in future and the health impact on residents in the area.
Fires at waste recycling facilities in Kirkdale have been included in a risk register for the area and as lead authority for these businesses, the EA is now assessing “whether or not their policies and procedures to prevent the fire that occurred have been put into practice and are satisfactory” at Norton Scrap and Co.
The report details how “once the EA has concluded their investigation into Norton's, a meeting of key stakeholders will be held to look at causes of the incident and to understand what lessons can be learnt to prevent/minimise the risk of a recurrence in future.”
At the time of the fire, an initial investigation from Merseyside Fire and Rescue suggested there were no suspicious circumstances, while a spokesperson for Norton Scrap and Co said there were no injuries and minimal damage caused.
They added: “Our Emergency Action plan was promptly implemented and the fire was handled promptly and professionally by the fire services, in conjunction with our own teams who are trained if such instances occur.”
The blaze impacted an area of 50 metres x 20 metres and firefighters warned residents to close doors and windows owing to poor air quality.
The report added the Merseyside Resilience Forum, which brings together multiple stakeholders from across the region, is also engaging with the business community and where there is a failure to take part, then the EA have agreed to review licences where appropriate.
The report, to be brought forward by Cllr Abdul Qadir, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, and portfolio director Claire McColgan, will be heard next week.
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