50 Staff Evicted Amidst Fire Fears At Factory

Up to 50 workers had to be evacuated when fire broke out at a factory, it has emerged.

An industrial press caught fire at the IMI Norgen premises in Lichfield, Staffordshire, on Wednesday.

The fire broke out at around 0140. However, after the factory's sprinkler system kicked in the blaze was out by 0350.

Six fire crews attended the fire, and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service praised the sprinkler system.

The service's station manager, Mick Jahn said: "We'd urge all businesses to fit sprinkler systems, there are misconceptions that should there be a fire several sprinklers will operate, this isn't the case.

"They will only operate where the fire is located. As this incident has highlighted, they do prevent the spread of fires, and so minimise the economic cost of a fire - which is even more important during these difficult financial times."

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David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “A serious fire at work can pose a major risk to both workers and local residents.

“Fortunately in this case safety systems reduced the impact.

“I would urge all employers to fully assess the risks of injury from fire and take steps to reduce those risks to the lowest possible level.”