Homes evacuated as fire breaks out and causes huge oil leak

Crews were called out to an outbuilding fire on Pit Lane at Waingroves at around 5pm last night which also involved three cars.

However, it had also ruptured a tank containing around 1,000 litres of used engine oil.

It led to the evacuation of the homes, but once the fire was under control it was found that the oil had leaked into a nearby drain and had got into the stream and was heading for Loscoe Dam, known for its roach, bream, perch, pike and carp.

Waingroves Road was closed as the officers worked until after 10pm to clean up the oil and prevent it from seeping any further.

Environment Agency officer Paul Reeves, who was acting as site controller, said: “Thanks to the swift action and support of the fire service, we managed to contain the oil pollution before it reached the Loscoe Dam.

“Our officers were out late last night setting up containment booms and using oil absorbent pads to soak up the spill.

“It’s a small water course but there were some very deep pools of black oil found. Our priority was to keep it from Loscoe Dam.

“We are confident we contained it and it’s no longer a risk.”

Officers have been back on site this morning checking the containment booms and replacing the oil absorbent pads, but so far there have been no reports of fish deaths or wildlife being affected.

The containment should also stop it affecting the birds and swans at Loscoe Dam.