A multi-agency response was called to a factory in North Wales on 30 April 2024 following reports of several explosions and a subsequent fire.
Firefighters from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) spent several hours tackling a blaze at the Synthite chemical manufacturer site in Mold, Flintshire. In an update, the fire service said:
“We were called at 14.06 to a fire at a factory on Denbigh Road, Mold, and are in attendance tackling reports of a fire in the production area. Local residents are being asked to close windows and doors and avoid the area due to smoke and as a precautionary measure.”
As reported by ITV News, Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales, Flintshire County Council Officers, North Wales Police, and the Welsh Ambulance Service were at the scene supporting fire crews. It is understood that around 20 workers and contractors were evacuated, with the Welsh Ambulance Service later confirming that one person had been taken to hospital:
“We sent two emergency ambulances, one Cymru high acuity response unit paramedic, and three operational managers to the scene.
“One person was taken to Countess of Chester Hospital for further treatment.”
While the fire was eventually brought under control, firefighters remained on site overnight and the following day to dampen down hotspots. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mold West Town Councillor Megan Lloyd Hughes said:
“Earlier today, I was made aware of an explosion and a subsequent fire at the Synthite Factory in Mold. Due to the prompt response and hard work of our emergency services, the fire is now reported to be under control… As a Mold West Town councillor, I’m incredibly moved to see the way our community has united during this difficult time.”
Commenting on the incident, Synthite thanked its employees for their “swift actions to raise the alarm”. At the time, the company stated that the fire had been “contained to a production facility and adjacent storage area” and that “no chemicals were released during or after the incident, with frequent air monitoring in place”.
Mike Plant from NWFRS added: “Due to the ongoing firefighting control measures continuing onsite, Public Health Wales have advised that keeping windows and doors closed is no longer required.
“Natural Resources Wales’ officers remain on site as part of the ongoing operation and will continue to monitor the local water courses and take any necessary action to mitigate any impacts.
“As a precaution, they are asking people not to go near the River Alyn and to also keep animals away from the water. People are also asked to keep away from the cordoned area as firefighting continues on site.”
North Wales Live later reported that concerned residents had found “dozens of dead fish” in the local river. On 3 May, Lyndsey Rawlinson from Natural Resources Wales confirmed:
“Following the fire at the Synthite Factory, we have continuously monitored the Rivers Alyn and Dee to understand the impact, and we can confirm that a chemical called formaldehyde entered the River Alyn.
“Our monitoring work has confirmed that we are no longer asking people not to go near the River Alyn.
“Around-the-clock monitoring will continue, and we are in continuous contact with multi-agency partners, including emergency service, health departments, local government and water companies, as we continue to work together to minimise the fire’s impact on the community and environment.”
As reported by BBC News, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it was “aware of the incident”, with NWFRS adding that it and North Wales Police were assisting HSE with their investigation.
A spokesperson for Synthite said: “We are deeply concerned at the impact of the incident. The cause of the environmental concerns is being investigated and we are liaising closely with all agencies in this ongoing incident, including how formaldehyde entered the River Alyn.
“We thank local residents for their patience and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
(Photograph by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service)