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Updated: Vange scrapyard blaze
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| The flames take hold. Picture courtesy of Essex Fire and Rescue Service |
FIREFIGHTERS were faced with exploding gas cylinders as they tackled a fierce fire at a scrap yard under investigation for operating illegally.
Fire ripped through the Marsh House, off the A13 in Vange, with explosions heard by residents living the other side of the dual carriageway.
The remote site, which is next to Marsh Farm, has been targeted by police and officials from the Environment Agency twice in the last four months.
Two arrests were made last month following a raid over allegations the yard was dismantling vehicles without a licence.
Resident Penny Witherington, of Brickfield Road, said: "I saw the smoke coming from the yard and then heard popping and cracking sounds, I didn't know what was happening."
Crews from across south Essex raced to the yard at around 8.30pm on Tuesday and found five cars alight. They had to travel across a railway line and down a dirt track to reach the blaze.
Explosive accetylene cylinders were also caught in the fire and a 200-metre cordon was set up, which remained in place yesterday.
A specialist fire officer, who has knowledge of chemical and gas risks, visited the site yesterday morning and Essex Police scenes of crime officers were also sent to assist the fire service in establishing the cause of the blaze.
Tim Shepperd, of the Environment Agency, also assessed the site. He has visited it six times since last December as part of the ongoing investigations.
He said: "We came here with the police in March as part of an investigation into activities on the site in terms of dismantling vehicles without a licence.
"We returned last month and arrests were made.
"Our main concern today is with the environment. Vange Marshes are all around and we now have dirty water running into them."
Marsh House is part of a seven-acre site and the house itself is a derelict listed building.
7:39am Thursday 3rd July 2008
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CommentPosted by: devil's Advocate, boozledon on 12:59pm Wed 2 Jul 08
Can anybody else see that face in those there flames? Don't half look like the bloke I do my posting for!
And don't gas cylinders and vehicles make a loverly blaze?
Can anybody else see that face in those there flames? Don't half look like the bloke I do my posting for!
And don't gas cylinders and vehicles make a loverly blaze?
Posted by: canvey resident, canvey island on 2:50pm Wed 2 Jul 08
Yes I see it.
What big eye brows he has.
Yes I see it.
What big eye brows he has.
Posted by: The Vicar Fortean, The Basildon Triangle on 3:57pm Wed 2 Jul 08
I think it looks like a giant bunny rabbit.
I think it looks like a giant bunny rabbit.
Posted by: witness, outside on 7:14pm Wed 2 Jul 08
I was there and there was at least 50 cars on fire at one time and rather than the fire brigade putting it out they was enjoying tea and biscuits.and at one point there wasnt any fire brigade there and when they got there didnt have any water.
I was there and there was at least 50 cars on fire at one time and rather than the fire brigade putting it out they was enjoying tea and biscuits.and at one point there wasnt any fire brigade there and when they got there didnt have any water.
Posted by: Monkey on 9:45am Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote][bold]witness[/bold] wrote:
I was there and there was at least 50 cars on fire at one time and rather than the fire brigade putting it out they was enjoying tea and biscuits.and at one point there wasnt any fire brigade there and when they got there didnt have any water.[/quote] Er...fire engines are just pumps on wheels - fire crews do not actually take the water with them, they attach the pump to a hydrant or other weater supply.
Also, given the length of time crews have to be at an incident of this size, they have to be given refreshments to enable them to do their job.
And it's definitely a face...
witness wrote:
I was there and there was at least 50 cars on fire at one time and rather than the fire brigade putting it out they was enjoying tea and biscuits.and at one point there wasnt any fire brigade there and when they got there didnt have any water.
Er...fire engines are just pumps on wheels - fire crews do not actually take the water with them, they attach the pump to a hydrant or other weater supply.
Also, given the length of time crews have to be at an incident of this size, they have to be given refreshments to enable them to do their job.
And it's definitely a face...
Posted by: fireman fan on 11:21am Thu 3 Jul 08
[bold]I cant believe the cheek of some people like "monkey" writing rubbish before they know the facts! someone i know was one of the many fireman assisting with this incident in the early hours of this morning and it was hard work trying to keep the cylinders cool so they didnt blow. When they get called out they work hard and provide a great service and have to put up with vile comments and rubbish pay which makes me sick![/bold]
I cant believe the cheek of some people like "monkey" writing rubbish before they know the facts! someone i know was one of the many fireman assisting with this incident in the early hours of this morning and it was hard work trying to keep the cylinders cool so they didnt blow. When they get called out they work hard and provide a great service and have to put up with vile comments and rubbish pay which makes me sick! Posted by: fireman fan 2, Basildon on 12:07pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Give the bloke knocking our brilliant firefighters a hose, stand him next to 50 burning cars and see how long he lasts without a drink! Idiot.
Give the bloke knocking our brilliant firefighters a hose, stand him next to 50 burning cars and see how long he lasts without a drink! Idiot.
Posted by: The Vicar, Basildon on 12:39pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote][bold]fireman fan[/bold] wrote:
[bold]I cant believe the cheek of some people like "monkey" writing rubbish before they know the facts! someone i know was one of the many fireman assisting with this incident in the early hours of this morning and it was hard work trying to keep the cylinders cool so they didnt blow. When they get called out they work hard and provide a great service and have to put up with vile comments and rubbish pay which makes me sick![/bold] [/quote] What do you class as rubbish pay?
Don't they get overtime for handing out leaflets at gay pride marches? ;)
fireman fan wrote:
I cant believe the cheek of some people like "monkey" writing rubbish before they know the facts! someone i know was one of the many fireman assisting with this incident in the early hours of this morning and it was hard work trying to keep the cylinders cool so they didnt blow. When they get called out they work hard and provide a great service and have to put up with vile comments and rubbish pay which makes me sick!
What do you class as rubbish pay?
Don't they get overtime for handing out leaflets at gay pride marches? ;)
Posted by: Reader, Vange on 12:55pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Fireman fan; It was "Witness" who wrote the derogatory remarks, not "Monkey"
Fireman fan; It was "Witness" who wrote the derogatory remarks, not "Monkey"
Posted by: fireman fan on 1:14pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Oops sorry monkey! i did in fact mean the so called witness!
Here here Fireman fan 2 - my partner does a lot of dangerous jobs working as a fireman so hearing negative comments about his work annoys me! The pay does not reflect the job they do because they risk their lifes to help out people like you! Lets hope that all the people posting negative and so called jokey comments dont need a fireman one day to save them and there family! They get enough abuse (for some reason) as it is!
Oops sorry monkey! i did in fact mean the so called witness!
Here here Fireman fan 2 - my partner does a lot of dangerous jobs working as a fireman so hearing negative comments about his work annoys me! The pay does not reflect the job they do because they risk their lifes to help out people like you! Lets hope that all the people posting negative and so called jokey comments dont need a fireman one day to save them and there family! They get enough abuse (for some reason) as it is!
Posted by: Fireman fan on 1:21pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Ooops sorry Monkey it was the so called witness i was ranting at!
Fireman Fan 2 - your soooo right, people like that think being a fireman is a walk in the park, my partner is a fireman is works **** hard when he gets call outs come through so negative comments he doesnt need! And yes they do get rubbish (look it up) for the dangerous job they do. they dont get pay rises and stay on the same money. They put their lifes at risk for people like you and you would soon change your tune if it was your house on fire!
And no Vicar.. thats clearly your job!
Ooops sorry Monkey it was the so called witness i was ranting at!
Fireman Fan 2 - your soooo right, people like that think being a fireman is a walk in the park, my partner is a fireman is works **** hard when he gets call outs come through so negative comments he doesnt need! And yes they do get rubbish (look it up) for the dangerous job they do. they dont get pay rises and stay on the same money. They put their lifes at risk for people like you and you would soon change your tune if it was your house on fire!
And no Vicar.. thats clearly your job!
Posted by: The Vicar, Basildon on 3:28pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Fireman fan[/bold] wrote:
Ooops sorry Monkey it was the so called witness i was ranting at! Fireman Fan 2 - your soooo right, people like that think being a fireman is a walk in the park, my partner is a fireman is works **** hard when he gets call outs come through so negative comments he doesnt need! And yes they do get rubbish (look it up) for the dangerous job they do. they dont get pay rises and stay on the same money. They put their lifes at risk for people like you and you would soon change your tune if it was your house on fire! And no Vicar.. thats clearly your job![/quote] Despite that, you still haven't answered what you class as rubbish pay. How much are we talking about - and for what hours?
Fireman fan wrote:
Ooops sorry Monkey it was the so called witness i was ranting at! Fireman Fan 2 - your soooo right, people like that think being a fireman is a walk in the park, my partner is a fireman is works **** hard when he gets call outs come through so negative comments he doesnt need! And yes they do get rubbish (look it up) for the dangerous job they do. they dont get pay rises and stay on the same money. They put their lifes at risk for people like you and you would soon change your tune if it was your house on fire! And no Vicar.. thats clearly your job!
Despite that, you still haven't answered what you class as rubbish pay. How much are we talking about - and for what hours?
Posted by: tea vicar, Vange on 4:20pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Not as much as vicars, I bet...and they don't get a house thrown in.
Not as much as vicars, I bet...and they don't get a house thrown in.
Posted by: tea vicar, Vange on 4:20pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Not as much as vicars, I bet...and they don't get a house thrown in.
Not as much as vicars, I bet...and they don't get a house thrown in.
Posted by: Vernon, Basildon on 5:10pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote][bold]fireman fan[/bold] wrote:
[bold]I cant believe the cheek of some people like "monkey" writing rubbish before they know the facts! someone i know was one of the many fireman assisting with this incident in the early hours of this morning and it was hard work trying to keep the cylinders cool so they didnt blow. When they get called out they work hard and provide a great service and have to put up with vile comments and rubbish pay which makes me sick![/bold] [/quote] [bold]When they get called out they work hard[/bold]
They do a great job,which I'm sure we all apprecciate, but to say they get a rubbish wage in a long way off the mark.They are paid regardless of whether they are called out or not, so if you look at their wage on an 'actual' hours worked basis, their pay is substantial
fireman fan wrote:
I cant believe the cheek of some people like "monkey" writing rubbish before they know the facts! someone i know was one of the many fireman assisting with this incident in the early hours of this morning and it was hard work trying to keep the cylinders cool so they didnt blow. When they get called out they work hard and provide a great service and have to put up with vile comments and rubbish pay which makes me sick!
When they get called out they work hard
They do a great job,which I'm sure we all apprecciate, but to say they get a rubbish wage in a long way off the mark.They are paid regardless of whether they are called out or not, so if you look at their wage on an 'actual' hours worked basis, their pay is substantial
Posted by: The Vicar, Basildon on 5:16pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Vernon[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]fireman fan[/bold] wrote: [bold]I cant believe the cheek of some people like "monkey" writing rubbish before they know the facts! someone i know was one of the many fireman assisting with this incident in the early hours of this morning and it was hard work trying to keep the cylinders cool so they didnt blow. When they get called out they work hard and provide a great service and have to put up with vile comments and rubbish pay which makes me sick![/bold] [/quote] [bold]When they get called out they work hard[/bold] They do a great job,which I'm sure we all apprecciate, but to say they get a rubbish wage in a long way off the mark.They are paid regardless of whether they are called out or not, so if you look at their wage on an 'actual' hours worked basis, their pay is substantial[/quote] Finally - thank you, Vernon. The fireman's partner avoiding the question repeatedly answered it for me.
Compared to nurses and other hard workers I very much doubt Firemen are on "rubbish pay" for the hours they do.
I bet they get paid more than people in the armed forces.
Vernon wrote:
fireman fan wrote: I cant believe the cheek of some people like "monkey" writing rubbish before they know the facts! someone i know was one of the many fireman assisting with this incident in the early hours of this morning and it was hard work trying to keep the cylinders cool so they didnt blow. When they get called out they work hard and provide a great service and have to put up with vile comments and rubbish pay which makes me sick!
When they get called out they work hard They do a great job,which I'm sure we all apprecciate, but to say they get a rubbish wage in a long way off the mark.They are paid regardless of whether they are called out or not, so if you look at their wage on an 'actual' hours worked basis, their pay is substantial
Finally - thank you, Vernon. The fireman's partner avoiding the question repeatedly answered it for me.
Compared to nurses and other hard workers I very much doubt Firemen are on "rubbish pay" for the hours they do.
I bet they get paid more than people in the armed forces.
Posted by: Fireman fan on 5:32pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Fireman work the same hours as most people but do longer shifts. I agree that nurses are not paid enough but at the end of the day if you are risking your life for other people your pay should reflect that. As for the comment about getting a house thrown in.. he doesnt. Hmmmmm.
Fireman work the same hours as most people but do longer shifts. I agree that nurses are not paid enough but at the end of the day if you are risking your life for other people your pay should reflect that. As for the comment about getting a house thrown in.. he doesnt. Hmmmmm.
Posted by: The Vicar, Basildon on 5:42pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Fireman fan[/bold] wrote:
Fireman work the same hours as most people but do longer shifts. I agree that nurses are not paid enough but at the end of the day if you are risking your life for other people your pay should reflect that. As for the comment about getting a house thrown in.. he doesnt. Hmmmmm.[/quote] I still don't think firemen are underpaid.
Tell me how much he earns a year and we'll compare that to a soldier.
As for the house, I don't know. I paid for mine.
Fireman fan wrote:
Fireman work the same hours as most people but do longer shifts. I agree that nurses are not paid enough but at the end of the day if you are risking your life for other people your pay should reflect that. As for the comment about getting a house thrown in.. he doesnt. Hmmmmm.
I still don't think firemen are underpaid.
Tell me how much he earns a year and we'll compare that to a soldier.
As for the house, I don't know. I paid for mine.
Posted by: mum, canvey on 7:32am Fri 4 Jul 08
we seem to be focusing on the firemen. yes they do a great job and should get paid higher than others. they are risking their lives for us, but what about mentioning the people who have lost a lot in the fire? my son lost everything he had to do with banger racing. it took him 8 years to collect everything including tools etc. he has lost thousands of pounds worth of stuff. he started bangers when he was 16 and it kept him off the streets and out of trouble. now he has lost the lot, because of some mindless idiot. what he done regarding the bangers was not illegal, just a hobby for him which has now been lost.
we seem to be focusing on the firemen. yes they do a great job and should get paid higher than others. they are risking their lives for us, but what about mentioning the people who have lost a lot in the fire? my son lost everything he had to do with banger racing. it took him 8 years to collect everything including tools etc. he has lost thousands of pounds worth of stuff. he started bangers when he was 16 and it kept him off the streets and out of trouble. now he has lost the lot, because of some mindless idiot. what he done regarding the bangers was not illegal, just a hobby for him which has now been lost.
Posted by: Fireman Fan on 10:25am Fri 4 Jul 08
Vicar its not difficult to find out how much a fireman earns and im not willing to go into that with you. For you information he was a soldier for 6 years so put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Yes as for house you wouldnt know cos you mouth off before knowing any facts. He pays for his like most people. Some fire stations have live in quaters but thats the little village stations not ones round here! some people have got nothing better to do that slate people's jobs! take a look at yourself!
And "mum" i totally agree with you.. i was just putting my point across to people who had a moan about fireman taking a break on a big job! sorry to hear that.
Vicar its not difficult to find out how much a fireman earns and im not willing to go into that with you. For you information he was a soldier for 6 years so put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Yes as for house you wouldnt know cos you mouth off before knowing any facts. He pays for his like most people. Some fire stations have live in quaters but thats the little village stations not ones round here! some people have got nothing better to do that slate people's jobs! take a look at yourself!
And "mum" i totally agree with you.. i was just putting my point across to people who had a moan about fireman taking a break on a big job! sorry to hear that.
Posted by: The Vicar, Basildon on 10:54am Fri 4 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Fireman Fan[/bold] wrote:
Vicar its not difficult to find out how much a fireman earns and im not willing to go into that with you. For you information he was a soldier for 6 years so put that in your pipe and smoke it! Yes as for house you wouldnt know cos you mouth off before knowing any facts. He pays for his like most people. Some fire stations have live in quaters but thats the little village stations not ones round here! some people have got nothing better to do that slate people's jobs! take a look at yourself! And "mum" i totally agree with you.. i was just putting my point across to people who had a moan about fireman taking a break on a big job! sorry to hear that.[/quote] I never slated anyone's job. I just said that I don't think that Firemen are underpaid in the great scheme of things.
Fireman Fan wrote:
Vicar its not difficult to find out how much a fireman earns and im not willing to go into that with you. For you information he was a soldier for 6 years so put that in your pipe and smoke it! Yes as for house you wouldnt know cos you mouth off before knowing any facts. He pays for his like most people. Some fire stations have live in quaters but thats the little village stations not ones round here! some people have got nothing better to do that slate people's jobs! take a look at yourself! And "mum" i totally agree with you.. i was just putting my point across to people who had a moan about fireman taking a break on a big job! sorry to hear that.
I never slated anyone's job. I just said that I don't think that Firemen are underpaid in the great scheme of things.
Posted by: Sympathy on 10:17pm Fri 4 Jul 08
[quote][bold]mum[/bold] wrote:
we seem to be focusing on the firemen. yes they do a great job and should get paid higher than others. they are risking their lives for us, but what about mentioning the people who have lost a lot in the fire? my son lost everything he had to do with banger racing. it took him 8 years to collect everything including tools etc. he has lost thousands of pounds worth of stuff. he started bangers when he was 16 and it kept him off the streets and out of trouble. now he has lost the lot, because of some mindless idiot. what he done regarding the bangers was not illegal, just a hobby for him which has now been lost.[/quote] Oh, you must be the mum of the boy who lost 29 cars in the fire. I do feel sorry for him as the cars are worth quite a bit in the banger racing world. That lot comes to at least £7,000 worth. The tools, well some people lose tools to others who decide to borrow them from others and never give them back. I know quite a few people in the same boat. I don't lend any tools out to anyone anymore for the same reason. I feel so sorry for the guy, 29 cars that can never be replaced as they are so rare. They may not be roadworthy but hey, they are still worth loads of money.
mum wrote:
we seem to be focusing on the firemen. yes they do a great job and should get paid higher than others. they are risking their lives for us, but what about mentioning the people who have lost a lot in the fire? my son lost everything he had to do with banger racing. it took him 8 years to collect everything including tools etc. he has lost thousands of pounds worth of stuff. he started bangers when he was 16 and it kept him off the streets and out of trouble. now he has lost the lot, because of some mindless idiot. what he done regarding the bangers was not illegal, just a hobby for him which has now been lost.
Oh, you must be the mum of the boy who lost 29 cars in the fire. I do feel sorry for him as the cars are worth quite a bit in the banger racing world. That lot comes to at least £7,000 worth. The tools, well some people lose tools to others who decide to borrow them from others and never give them back. I know quite a few people in the same boat. I don't lend any tools out to anyone anymore for the same reason. I feel so sorry for the guy, 29 cars that can never be replaced as they are so rare. They may not be roadworthy but hey, they are still worth loads of money.
Posted by: Yentl on 10:34pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Yeah, I know the bloke you mean. He is so nice and kind. He does not want for anything and always helps others. I read the news with great interest as I have been a fan of his for many years. I have heard that he is not racing again this year due to a lack of cars. Wow 29 cars is more than I have owned in a lifetime. I am sure that some people will help him out as he will be sorely missed especially at Mildenhall. I don't think that he has missed a meeting this year up there. Mum, can you help him out?
Yeah, I know the bloke you mean. He is so nice and kind. He does not want for anything and always helps others. I read the news with great interest as I have been a fan of his for many years. I have heard that he is not racing again this year due to a lack of cars. Wow 29 cars is more than I have owned in a lifetime. I am sure that some people will help him out as he will be sorely missed especially at Mildenhall. I don't think that he has missed a meeting this year up there. Mum, can you help him out?
Posted by: mum, C I on 7:50am Sat 5 Jul 08
Yentl, i would love to be in a position to help him, but unfortunately i'm not. As you know it costs a fair bit of money for this hobby, and as i said earlier it has taken him 8 years to gather what he had.Hopefully he will be able to get back to banger racing but not until next season. The main thing is that nobody was hurt.
Yentl, i would love to be in a position to help him, but unfortunately i'm not. As you know it costs a fair bit of money for this hobby, and as i said earlier it has taken him 8 years to gather what he had.Hopefully he will be able to get back to banger racing but not until next season. The main thing is that nobody was hurt.
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