Gas terminal blaze put out

Crews were called to a "very large-scale incident" at the Bacton gas terminal in Norfolk shortly before 6pm on Thursday.

The fire broke out in a wastewater treatment plant within the Shell UK site, which brings natural gas ashore from the North Sea.

Shell UK confirmed that the fire was out and said the plant had been shut down safely.

Incident commander Richard Herrell, of Norfolk Fire Service, said: "There are inherent hazards in the petroleum industry. We've accounted for them and brought the fire under control in a very quick time. Everyone is safe and well. It has run like clockwork. We have a well- rehearsed plan between the emergency services and this has been shown to work."

He said 40 people were evacuated from the site following the incident, which was attended by more than 50 firefighters.

The cause of the blaze is unknown and a full investigation, which will involve the police and Health and Safety Executive, will be launched, he said.

A Shell spokeswoman said: "The regulatory authorities have been informed. There is no threat to the health of personnel at the site.

"The incident will be investigated by Shell and the relevant authorities as is normal under these circumstances.

"Shell would like to thank the emergency services and our personnel for their prompt action in extinguishing this fire so quickly."