Call to release 2020 Kronospan fire inquiry report

The long-delayed report into the fire at the Kronospan plant at Chirk should be released immediately.

That’s the view of Plaid Cymru’s North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd, who said the delay in releasing the investigation was causing unease in the local community as he yet again calls for the release of the report.

In January 2020, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to a blaze at Kronospan in Chirk. The incident, at the factory’s log yard, involved a quantity of logs and wood chip material.

It took five days to dampen down the fire and during that time residents were urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area. A local primary school also made the decision to keep its pupils inside during break time.

Mr Gruffydd said: “It’s a matter of concern that the investigation has still not reported back. I understand the report was due to be published in April 2020 but the Covid pandemic meant resources had to re-allocated and fully accept that explanation for the initial delay. However, that is no longer the case and, for the sake of local residents and workers at the plant, it’s important that we have sight of the investigation’s findings so that future fires can be avoided.

“There is a great deal of anxiety locally about air quality and the events of January 2020 added to those concerns.

“It’s been described as the worst fire in the site’s history and we still don’t know to how it happened and to what extent harmful chemicals and particles were released into the atmosphere and into neighbouring houses. We do know that people were hospitalised that night and Chirk residents need to know that their health and safety is a priority.

“That’s why I’m calling for the report to be released now so that we can all understand what went wrong that night and for the regulators to work with the company to ensure things are put right.

“It’s the least local residents deserve.”