Environment probe launched after major Clenchwarton fire

Environmental officials have appealed for information about the operation of a waste site in a West Norfolk village following a major fire there.

Dozens of firefighters, from across two counties, were called to tackle the blaze in Main Road, Clenchwarton, on Friday, with units remaining at the scene throughout the night.

But the incident sparked a flurry of comment on social media, with many expressing anger at what they alleged were repeated fires there.

Residents who contacted the Lynn News in the wake of the blaze claimed complaints had been made about the site as long ago as 2008, while the Environment Agency was also accused of failing to act.

But the agency yesterday insisted it is looking into the case and urged the public to come forward.

A spokesman said: “We are investigating concerns about a waste site in Clenchwarton near King’s Lynn.

“If anyone has any more information about the site that could help our enquiries, they can contact our incident hotline on 0800 807060.”

The agency also said it keeps enforcement options under “constant review”.

Emergency crews were initially called to the area at around 4.35pm on Friday afternoon.

At the height of the blaze, 16 units from across Norfolk and Cambridgeshire were at the scene and residents as far away as Lynn were advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

The Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said units remained at the scene until around 7.30am on Saturday, before being called back later in the day when the flames erupted again.

A spokesman for the brigade told the Lynn News yesterday: “No fire investigation is underway, as the cause has been determined as an intentional, managed fire which got out of control.”