STANSTED AIRPORT: Terminal evacuated during rubbish blaze

2:58pm Wednesday 24th October 2007

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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. The compactor was later removed.

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."

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