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The Buncefield Fire

This website contains information surrounding the Buncefield fire that took place on 11th December 2005.  The recommendations contained within are a direct copy from the findings published by the Major Incidents Investigation Board (MIIB) and the Buncefield Standards Task Group (BSTG) and can be found at http://www.buncefieldinvestigation.gov.uk

Buncefield Disaster – Sunday 11th December 2005

The Buncefield Explosion

In the early hours of Sunday 11th December 2005, there were a number of explosions heard at the Buncefield Storage Depot.  Reports state that at least one of the initial explosions was of massive proportions – heard over 200 miles away and blowing out windows of homes 2 miles away.  The initial explosions lead to a fire that engulfed a large proportion of the site and meant that the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue received over 60 calls from local residents in the early hours of the morning.  Within minutes of arriving at the site it was declared a major incident.

Fortunately there were no fatalities, however 60 people were injured and there was large scale damage and disruption to local businesses and residents.  The emergency services put in place an evacuation zone and the fire burned for days emitting large clouds of black smoke into the atmosphere and destroying a large part of the site.

Following the explosion on 11 December 2005, the site was closed and the Health and Safety Executive along with the Environment Agency conducted a joint investigation into the disaster at the Buncefield Terminal. 

The Buncefield Investigation and Recommendations

There have been a number of reports, investigations and conclusions drawn from the disaster and we have put most of these on display on this page: Buncefield Investigation and Recommendations

Photo courtesy of Chiltern Air Support Unit.

Although such incidents are rare , they are devastating in both human and financial cost. Additional lessons will need to be learned from the Chevron Milford Haven Refinery in Pembroke.