School is evacuated as oil tank explodes

Thursday 4th October 2007, 12:00AM BST.

GRAINVILLE School had to be evacuated yesterday when an oil tank exploded. No pupils or staff were injured.

The incident occurred shortly before the end of the school day at around 2.50 pm. The domestic oil tank ignited after contractors inadvertently set fire to a residual amount of oil surrounding the tank with sparks from a grinder. Fire appliances and a bulk foam water carrier were sent to the school, and eight firefighters wearing breathing apparatus controlled and extinguished the fire. Two ventilation fans were also used to protect some of the school’s classrooms from smoke damage. The Fire Service said that the contractors were to be praised for quickly raising the alarm. As a result the school was safely evacuated and the damage kept to a minimum.

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