Stafford fire: Blaze-hit firm had no oil storage licence
An investigation into the huge fire at a Stafford warehouse is looking into whether it should have had a permit to store oil there.
The blaze at Global Hygiene in the Astonfields Industrial Estate involved around 40,000 litres of oil.
Today the Environment Agency revealed the firm had no environmental permit at the site and is now investigating if one was needed for the amount of oil stored.
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Environmental manager at the agency Marc Lidderth said: "We can confirm that Global Hygiene has no environmental permit registered for this site, nor any exemptions with the Environment Agency.
"As a result of the fire the Environment Agency is in contact with the company and carrying out investigations to establish further information about the incident. We will consider what action is required after we have completed our investigative work."
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue spokeswoman Michelle Hunt said: "The oil did catch fire. We don't know where it was on the site but it was on Global Hygiene's premise. On our log it said there was approximately 40,000 litres."
The blaze led to pollution seeping into the River Sow and River Trent, the Environment Agency said. It is working with contractors to remove the oil from local brooks.
A Global Hygiene spokesman said: "We are co-operating fully with all relevant agencies, including the Environment Agency, to bring their investigations into the fire at our premises to a swift conclusion.
"We offer our sincere apologies to all of those affected by the incident and will take all necessary steps to understand how it occurred.
"We thank the local community, emergency services and Stafford Rangers Football Club for all that they have done to bring the fire under control and ensure that nobody was seriously hurt."
The fire also spread to the neighbouring Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage. Bosses from the storage firm are refusing to discuss the extent of the damage, what has been lost or what the future holds.
Wednesday's fire caused huge explosions, with great plumes of acrid smoke visible from 15 miles away. Schools, businesses and homes in the area had to be evacuated.
