Fire at Mapledurham Lock

Steve_Jones

Steve_Jones

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We woke this morning to see a plume of smoke above the lock at Mapledurham and fire engines in attendance. Having spoken to police officers who were blocking access to the adjoining meadow it appears that a couple of sheds were on fire and that they possibly contained gas cylinders. At the moment pedestrian access is prevented from the adjoining meadows and I would guess that river traffic would likewise be prevented from approaching. No ideas on how long it will be closed, might take the dog for a walk at lunchtime to see...
 
Quick update, the PCSO on duty now says that the exclusion zone will stay in place until tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10:00 am. Therefore I assume river access will be affected in a similar manner, although I cannot confirm this.

Damn, no walkies!

Good news is, no reported injuries, just a precaution due to gas cylinders being near the fire.

Steve Jones, YBW News, Live from Mapledurham... (always wanted to do that!) :D


None shall pass...

View attachment 37176
 
Last edited:
Just received following:
River Thames – emergency lock closure
Mapledurham Lock
Monday 18 November to midday Tuesday 19 November 2013
A fire occurred in the early hours of the morning in two of the outbuildings at Mapledurham Lock. For safety reasons, the lock site and navigation through the lock will be closed to all public until midday on 19 November 2013. The fire service remain on site.
We apologise for any inconvenience this restriction causes and thank you for your patience during this time.
Matt Carter
Harbourmaster
18 November 2013
 
And just for good measure........

Good Afternoon
Please find attached an amended emergency Environment Agency Harbourmaster's notice. This is to clarify that, for safety reasons, the Fire Service have imposed a 200 metre exclusion zone around the lock. Therefore the lock, the lock site and the river 200 metres up and downstream of the lock will be closed to all public until midday on 19 November 2013.

Emergency Lock Closure
Mapledurham Emergency Lock Closure – due to a fire in two of the outbuildings
Mapledurham Lock
Monday 18 November to midday on Tuesday 19 November 2013
Many thanks
Waterways Operations Team
 
And another extension to the closure -
Good Afternoon
Please find attached an amended emergency Environment Agency Harbourmaster's notice. This is to extend the closure of the lock, the lock site and the river 200 metres up and downstream of the lock until 09.00am on Wednesday 20 November 2013.
Emergency Lock Closure
Mapledurham Emergency Lock Closure – due to a fire in two of the outbuildings
Mapledurham Lock
Monday 18 November to 09.00am on Wednesday 20 November 2013

Notice of works
Reading Bridge Concrete Investigation Works – navigation will not be affected by these works.
Reading Bridge, Caversham Reach
Monday 18 November for approximately 2 weeks

Many thanks
Waterways Operations Team
For further information on closures and restrictions on the River Thames visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/thamesrestrictions
Click to expand...
 
in a fire, gas canisters (especially acetylene) can continue to 'cook' for many hours after a fire is extinguished before the safety plug blows or the vessel ruptures.

If that happens, you end up with a BLEVE, and big cylinders going up to 1500 metres through the air.
 
sarabande said:
in a fire, gas canisters (especially acetylene) can continue to 'cook' for many hours after a fire is extinguished before the safety plug blows or the vessel ruptures.

If that happens, you end up with a BLEVE, and big cylinders going up to 1500 metres through the air.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, given that I live about 800 metres from the lock! :eek:
 
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