Dispute Over Firewater Contamination in Bracknell

A row has broken out between public bodies over whether contaminated firewater left the Daler-Rowney site after a major blaze in Bracknell on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25. Residents have been warned to avoid potentially contaminated water.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue's area manager Tim Readings described the response at a public meeting and said the water used to fight the fire was contained on site. He said: "No foam – just water.  We didn't use fire retarding foam.  The site's got big interceptors – pollution control measures and underground storage."

But Bracknell Forest Council's statement conflicts with that account. "Environmental monitoring has confirmed that contaminated firewater entered the surface water system and there is some evidence of environmental impact.

"This is being closely monitored by the Environment Agency (EA). The specific make-up of the firewater is unknown – the results of water samples are expected over the next week.

"In the meantime, it is recommended that the public and their pets avoid contact with contaminated water."

The River Cut was restocked in 2017 after earlier pollution, and nearby Wykery Copse is vulnerable because a shallow, perched water table on London Clay keeps groundwater close to the surface.

A reporter photographed discolouration in a brook that runs from Peacock Lane through Wykery Copse into the River Cut near a playground. Residents reported 'puddles' of 'blue' liquid in gardens close to the factory; some areas were cordoned off by emergency services.

Interceptors are supposed to trap pollutants like oil and silt, but their effectiveness in this incident is being questioned.

A Daler-Rowney spokesperson confirmed the firm found a leak after the fire and said the company notified the EA and has been working under its guidance. They said: "Following the fire, we were aware of a leak from our site.

"We immediately notified the Environment Agency and have been working under their guidance and supervision ever since.

"Immediate actions were taken to prevent any further release from the site, with an emergency response team deployed on-site. Samples have been taken and are being analysed.

"As a precautionary measure, we took swift action to start removing the material ahead of receiving those results.

"Remediation work is actively under way and making good progress."

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter