Charred plastic could still hide 'hot spots' from blaze

Two days after the fire Watch Manager Grahame Hobden said: "Hot spots are still under this thick layer of plastic which melted and is now cooled.

"There is a six-inch layer of charred plastic so we are still checking on it from time to time to dampen down any hotspots."

He added: "The fire was deep-seated in the plastic, so it is a case of letting the vent off, and extinguishing the fire as and when we can get on it."

Crews from Bexhill station worked on Sunday night for four hours before relief crews took over.

They initally responded to the emergency call with just one appliance because they were told a rubbish bin had been set alight.

"As soon as they got there they realised they were going to need far more resources," said Mr Hobden.

In total eight fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were required.

"Initially we set up ground monitors, which are water jets which can be left without personnel because of the heat, and knowing there were lorries nearby and possibly cylinders involved.

"You have got to look after the safety of personnel and you don't want them too close to the fire if possible. Cooling sprays were set up on other nearby properties and vehicles to protect them from the fire."

Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire alongside the added danger of gas that could combust, and enviromental concerns of water draining away mixed with toxic chemicals.

"To look at it was dramatic, but from the firefighters' point of view there is a lot of work involved in moving equipment around, setting up water sprays and so on. The senior officers decided the best course of action to take to extinguish the fire, which proved to be foam."