Major Blaze Erupts at Andover Ocado Warehouse – 200 Firefighters Battling Inferno
A massive fire at the Ocado warehouse in Andover has been declared a major incident, with over 200 firefighters battling the raging inferno for more than 24 hours.
Firefighters Risk It All as Flames Engulf Warehouse
The blaze broke out at around 2.44am on Tuesday in the automated distribution centre located at Walworth Business Park. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) deployed 20 pumps, 9 water carriers, and 3 elevated platforms to tackle the fire, with 256 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fighting through thick smoke and intense heat.
Four firefighters have suffered slight smoke inhalation but continue to battle the blaze as part of a heroic effort to bring it under control.
Locals Urged to Stay Safe – Keep Windows and Doors Shut
The fire is producing huge plumes of smoke, prompting authorities to warn nearby residents to keep all windows and doors closed. People are also being urged to steer clear of the Walworth Business Park area for their safety.
Witnesses have described the scene as terrifying, with the noise, heat, and glow from the fire lighting up the night sky.
Operations at Ocado Warehouse Ground to a Halt
The Ocado warehouse, which handles over 4,000 grocery orders daily using hundreds of robots within its ‘grid’ system, has been severely impacted. Thousands of deliveries have been cancelled as the facility faces major damage, including a partial roof collapse.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andy Bowers confirmed firefighters are expected to be on the scene for some time as they continue to fight the stubborn blaze.
More updates to follow as the story unfolds.
