Fire damages laboratory block at The Heath Business ParkFire severely damaged a laboratory block at The Heath Business and Technical Park at Runcorn, Cheshire, in the early hours of Sunday morning. No one was injured in the blaze at the award-winning science park owned and operated by SOG Ltd. SOG’s security personnel raised the alarm shortly after midnight when smoke and flames were spotted in one the laboratory buildings on the 50-acre site. Fifteen fire crews from across the region tackled the fire which destroyed the top floor of the three-storey, 30-metre by 10-metre block and seriously damaged the second floor. SOG Director John Lewis said fire officers praised the company for its swift response to the incident and for emergency procedures that were implemented which helped fire-fighters to contain the blaze and prevent it spreading to neighbouring buildings. Mr Lewis said: “This is a very serious incident but the most important thing is that no-one has been hurt. Our emergency procedures kicked in immediately the fire was discovered. We were able to advise fire officers of any hazardous materials contained in the laboratory block to ensure they had all the information necessary to tackle the blaze without putting fire crews at unnecessary risk.” The laboratory block housed several different scientific companies carrying out research and development projects at The Heath. Mr Lewis added: “SOG has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and the company will be assessing the extent of the damage over the next 24 hours. It is too early at this stage to give any further details but the fire services have paid tribute to the emergency procedures SOG has in place which helped to avert a far worse disaster. The fire and rescue service has done a magnificent job to contain the fire. Their speed of response and professionalism has been exceptional.” For further information on this incident please contact Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. 08 May 2009 About The Heath:The Heath, which was established as a business park in 2000, has attracted over 175 British and international companies, ranging from bio science firms to IT specialists, from food industry consultants to website designers, and from government agencies to telemarketing specialists. Residents have been attracted by the 60-acre business park's vast range of impressive facilities and its flexibility in space management and in attitude. The Heath offers a wide range of office and laboratory space, together with a purpose-built conference centre that includes a 120-seat lecture theatre. Residents can also choose from a wide selection of additional services, including telephone and broadband connectivity, laboratory support services, scientific glassblowing and precision engineering facilities, to name but a few. Residents also have access to The Heath's fitness centre and gym. Combined with 1,700 parking spaces, its first-class transport links - and the ability for residents to select and pay for just the services they require - it's no surprise that the number of companies on The Heath is continuing to grow rapidly. MEDIA CONTACT: PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
|