Massive Fire at Sainsbury’s Warehouse Blamed on Trailer Fridge Unit
About 70 firefighters tackled a huge blaze at Sainsbury’s Thameside depot in Charlton on Saturday night. The inferno may have started when a refrigeration unit caught fire in a trailer parked right next to the building, sources reveal.
Chaos as Fire Erupts at Chilled Distribution Centre
Six fire engines from one brigade and an aerial ladder rushed to the scene shortly after 6.30pm. Two lorries were ablaze at the chilled distribution centre before flames began spreading to the nearby warehouse, roughly 20 by 30 metres in size.
All staff at the site were quickly evacuated after the alarm was raised. Thanks to the firefighters’ rapid, heroic efforts, the fire was contained mainly to the two HGV trailers, although the warehouse’s side suffered heavy smoke damage.
Warning to Businesses After Warehouse Fire Fiascos
This isn’t the first fire at the warehouse – a similar accidental blaze struck months ago. Fire services are now urging businesses to keep vehicles well clear of buildings to prevent repeat disasters.
An investigation is underway into the exact cause of Saturday’s fire, with initial signs pointing to the trailer’s refrigeration unit as the ignition source.
