Mike Penning today praised the work of the emergency services and local people in their response to the devastating explosion that took place at Buncefield Oil Depot early yesterday morning.

As a former fireman, Mike Penning knows from experience the risks and dangers facing the fire crews as they attempt to bring the fire under control in the next few days.

Mike Penning spent all of Sunday visiting people at the scene, emergency services control centres, people at the local hospital and evacuation centres. "We mustn't underestimate the sheer size of the area affected by this fire." he said.

"I have been very impressed with our fantastic local emergency services and that the much-practised Major Incident Plan worked well". Mike highly praised the work of fire crews, ambulance crews, hospital staff, police, council staff, volunteer organisations such as the red cross and local people in their response to the incident.

He added
"The community spirit throughout the whole town was fantastic."

It is incredible that there has been no loss of life, but there are still a lot of local people who have experienced damage to their homes and businesses. He assures anyone affected that they will get all the assistance they need from the local authorities and he will be happy help in any way he can.

Photo: Smoke from the Buncefield fire as seen over Hemel Old Town.