Emergency Plant hire to support Greenspot Waste Fire, 2 x Dozers, 2 x Dumpers, 1 x 21 ton swing shovel.

CFRS required the use ofe heavy plant and machinery during the emergency phase of the GreenSpot waste fire incident in Falmouth in order to bring to life the tactical plan of extinguishing the fire as quickly as possible, with a view of achieving the strategic aim of reducing the amount of smoke that was leaving site due to it effecting the local community in Falmouth and beyond.

Prior to any fire service attendance there had been over 50 complaints to Cornwall council about the amount of smoke effecting local residents, classifying this as a statutory nuisance fire. CFRS were then requested to lead a multi-agency response to the incident and in doing so identified that the only way to extinguish the fire was by use of heavy plant machinery to separate, cool and remove the burning materials, there was estimated to be around 30,000 tons on site.

In an attempt to adhere to the contract and procedure rules, all local avenues were exhausted through partner agencies', but unfortunately, no contractors could provide the required heavy plant and machinery (with skilled operators) on the local authority register.

As a result of this, and in order to apply the necessary operational interventions contact was made with local enterprises to source the correct plant and machinery with the appropriate skilled labour. Due to the operational nature of the incident and the timescales involved it was impossible to follow the normal procurement process, a local provider was approached with the appropriate equipment and skills and an agreement made. This approach proved to be successful, and required the use of heavy plant for a sustained 3 week period to ensure the fire was suitably under control.