AGENDA ITEM 6
BOROUGH OF POOLE
EMERGENCY COMMITTEE
4TH JUNE 2007
SUMMARY OF RECENT INCIDENTS
PART OF PUBLISHED FORWARD PLAN: No
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PURPOSE AND POLICY CONTEXT
1.1. The purpose of this report is to advise members of incidents that have occurred
within the Borough since the last meeting of the committee, and where Poole’s
response procedures were activated and to update the committee on the status of
the MSV Napoli incident.
2.
RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1. Members are asked to note the contents of the report.
3.
INCIDENTS
3.1. here have been two incidents occurring in Poole since the last meeting of the
committee:
3.2. Suspected unexploded bomb - Parkstone
a. This incident occurred on the 9th February at 44 Felton Road, Parkstone at 12:50
b. Dorset Police had responded to a find of a suspected world war II German bomb
uncovered whilst excavations were being carried out at the premises.
c. A 200m exclusion zone was established with 70 houses (approx. 200 people)
evacuated whilst a Military EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) was called to the
scene.
d. Evacuees were initially located at an initial holding point at the nearby Poole
College annex. The Rossmore leisure centre was activated as the primary rest
centre. Social Services were mobilised to support evacuees at Rossmore and the
holding area. Highways maintenance crews set up barriers an road closures as
required by Dorset Police. This included the closure of the whole of Constitution Hill
e. The Chief executive, corporate communications, elected members were all alerted
and briefed.
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f. EOD found that the device was not in fact a bomb and the incident was closed out
at 15:40.
g. Approx. 50 residents were supported. The remainder made their own
arrangements.
3.2.1. Post Incident Points
a. There were problems contacting the Bournemouth and Poole PCT for medical
cover for evacuees. The recent combining of the two pre-existing PCT’s had led to a
change in emergency cover contact numbers which had not yet been advised to
other agencies.
b. Transportation was committed for ‘normal’ use and therefore could not be made
available for evacuees. Fourways day centre was ‘cut off’ due to the closure of
Constitution Hill.
3.3. Fire and Evacuation - Ashley Road
a. This incident occurred on the 10TH May at 396 Ashley Road (First Stop MOT formerly Fly’s MOT Centre) at 14:25.
b. A major fire had occurred at the a/m premises, and gas cylinders that could have
contained oxygen and acetylene were known to be on site. Initially the fire was out of
control and a 200m evacuation/exclusion zone was established. An estimated 200 +
people were evacuated from shops, residential properties and flats in the
surrounding area. If acetylene were to be confirmed then this would mean an
automatic 24 hour (minimum) exclusion period.
c. The Rossmore leisure centre was identified as the primary designated rest centre
and social services were mobilised to provide support.. Because of the uncertainty of
the type of gas cylinders on site it was agreed that a local holding area should be
used initially. The Ted Webster centre was identified and opened.
d. Jim Bright was alerted as the GOLD, corporate communications and elected
members were advised and briefed. Asbestos was suspected to be present (later
confirmed) and therefore Environment and Consumer Protection Services were
activated to provide clean up advice/support. The Health Protection Agency also
became involved and worked in conjunction with Poole communications staff to
ensure the correct advice to the public was given.
e. At 16:51 the fire was coming under control but there were concerns about what
was on site. The site owner was taken to site who confirmed that there were no
acetylene cylinders present (to the best of his knowledge) therefore the cordon was
lifted at 18:30.
f. 30 residents were supported, the remainder made their own arrangements.
3.3.1. Post Incident Points
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a. A small number of residents were told by the Police to go to Rossmore straight
away and not the Teb Webster centre. This was picked up quickly and put right by
further broadcast instructions via AIRWAVE to officers on the cordon.
b. A more robust communications plan is required to provide up to date ‘current
situation’ information to those who were affected. Only the emergency services can
realistically provide this type of information
3.4. Recovery of Costs
Costs incurred by the Council by responding to incidents are always recovered
where possible. As such a cost code has been set up for the Ashley Road incident to
capture these costs prior to approaching the company for payment via their liability
insurance.
4.
UPDATE ON MSV NAPOLI INCIDENT
The main point regarding the current status of the salvage and clean up operation
are as follows:

There is no change to the vessels condition, and patching work continues to
repair structural damage to prevent break up and oil spills.

The last containers were discharged at Portland Port as at 21 ST May,
therefore the cargo recovery operations aboard the MSC Napoli are now
completed.

Clean up of the river Sid has been completed.

There will be ongoing debris issues on the beaches (from sunken containers)
for some time and the salvage contractor is still in place to respond and will
continue to carry out operations as necessary.

The fate of the vessel has not yet been decided.
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