STANSTED AIRPORT: Terminal evacuated as crews tackle blaze

2:57pm Wednesday 24th October 2007

HUNDREDS of passengers and staff at Stansted Airport were evacuated as smoke from a fire threatened to engulf the terminal building.

Crews from Bishop's Stortford, Dunmow and Stansted were called at 12.30pm today to deal with a fire in a large rubbish compactor, similar in size to a dustcart.

Smoke set off alarms in the passenger waiting areas and part of the building was evacuated.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 2pm.

Divisional officer Neil Fenwick said: "The fire now appears to be out and crews are going through the rubbish to ensure there is nothing smouldering or any danger of re-ignition."

He added: "We're also working with Stansted fire crews to ventilate the crossway and terminal and we have special fans in use to move the smoke out more quickly."

A BAA spokesman praised firefighters and the airport's own fire service.

He added: "Flights were continuing throughout the fire and the airport is operating normally. Passengers may experience a slight delay, but only a minor one."

Editor's choice