Sonae’s chipboard plant at Knowsley has suffered yet another fire, just weeks after resuming raw chipboard production following a serious blaze last summer.
Six firecrews fought the blaze last Thursday evening after being called following reports of explosions at the plant.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said the fire had started in a silo containing 10 tonnes of sawdust product.
“Around 150m³ of the tank was severely damaged by fire,” it said.
Fire protection staff at Sonae worked with firefighters to help prevent the fire from spreading.
The Knowsley plant has only just recovered from a major fire last summer, which shut down raw chipboard production for six months.
The fire led to significant rebuilding work. It is currently running at 80% capacity.
Local newspaper the Liverpool Echo said Knowsley Council was looking at a several options concerning the future of the factory, while the Health & Safety Executive has launched an investigation.
