2012 Jersey gas holder fire

The 2012 Jersey gas holder fire occurred when fire broke out at a gas holder, owned by Jersey Gas, on Tunnell Street, in Saint Helier, Jersey.[2] The Jersey Fire and Rescue Service brought the fire under-control, and it burnt out during the early hours of 5 July 2012. In the aftermath of the incident Jersey Gas was fined £65,000 by the island's Royal Court and ordered to pay legal costs of £11,000.[3]

2012 Jersey gas holder fire
DateJuly 4, 2012 (2012-07-04)
Time12:30 pm (BST)[1]
LocationTunnell Street, Saint Helier, Jersey.
Coordinates49°11′16″N 2°5′52″W
Deaths0
Non-fatal injuries1
Missing0

Cause
The gas holder as it appeared after the fire

An investigation by the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service conducted shortly after the incident determined the fire started while workers were "repairing a gas leak on the side of the holder", who were using electric tools. During this, the leaking gas ignited. The fire spread and "attacked" the joints of the holder, which caused more gas to leak out and ignite, resulting in a larger and more intense fire. Furthermore, Jersey Gas admitted to not carrying out risk assessments, not providing "a safe system of work" and providing inadequate health and safety training to its employees.[3][4][5]

Evacuation

An area of St Helier was evacuated and cordoned off soon after the fire started. Seven near-by schools were also evacuated. Many residents who live in houses surrounding the gas holder were not allowed to return to their homes until the following day, and some sought assistance at the parish hall.

Injuries
The location of the gas holder as it appeared before the fire

Both employees of Jersey Gas performing the repairs suffered minor burns due to the incident.[3]

References
  1. Jersey Gas Statement
  2. Jersey gas fire leads to mass evacuation
  3. "Jersey Gas fined £65,000 over blaze". BBC News. 2014-10-31. Retrieved 2018-03-17.
  4. "Fire started during leak repair". BBC News. 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  5. Jersey, States of. "Leak repairs caused Gas Works fire". www.gov.je. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
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