Emergencies - Industrial Technical Failure - Buncefield fuel depot fire

Buncefield Fuel Depot Fire

Description of Incident

A major explosion and fire occurred at the Buncefield Oil Storage Terminal in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire on Sunday 11th December 2005. The explosion caused a number of injuries. The explosion and fire largely destroyed the North side of the Oil Storage terminal. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation[External website] is now underway to establish the cause of the explosion and any lessons for the future operation of such sites.

Alongside this, long term recovery operations are being managed by the Local Authority-led Recovery Task Force (which includes local Police and Fire & Rescue Services). Dacorum Borough Council's website[External website] provides further information on help and advice for those affected by the incident.

Information & Key Links

Buncefield Investigation: First Report, 13 July 2006 [External website]

Environment Agency: Buncefield - latest news, 13 July 2006 [External website]

Environment Agency: Buncefield: water monitoring results [External website] 12 May 2006

Defra: Initial review of air quality aspects of the Buncefield oil depot explosion [External website] This report summarises the air quality measurements made during the fire, plus results from targeted local monitoring and measurements from long-term monitoring.

Buncefield Investigation: third progress report, 9 May 2006 [External website]

Buncefield Investigation: second progress report, 11 April 2006 [External website] The press release launching the report, and the report itself.

Buncefield Investigation Website [External website]

HPA: latest on the Hemel Hempstead oil depot explosions [External website]

Dacorum Borough Council - help and advice leaflet for those residents and businesses affected by the fire. [External website] Alternatively for information and advice call Dacorum Borough Council helpline on 01923 471335.

Herts Police: Can you help Buncefield Enquiry Team? [External website] Police are searching for evidence, debris, and witness accounts.

The Air Quality Archive [External website] - This site provides up-to-date, comprehensive, detailed information on air quality. Visit the site to find out what air pollution is like near you and for a forecast of what it will be like over the next 24 hours.