A bin storage unit previously plagued by fly-tipping and rats has caught fire for the second time in two months.
Two crews were sent to tackle the blaze in Ovaltine Drive, Kings Langley, at 7.47am where they found a large wheelie bin "well alight" by the three-storey block of flats run by Thrive Homes.
It is believed to have been started accidentally, a fire service spokesperson said, and was extinguished by 8.07am.
One resident complained online: “For the 2nd time in 2 months the bin store is on fire. Thrive Homes haven’t even completed the improvements to fire safety since the last fire.”
They also claimed that new communal smoke alarms didn’t go off, while the bin store reportedly did not have a “proper lock”.
- An automatic smoke vent system is only partly complete
— DemGain$$$ (@DemGainsss) March 19, 2024
- The bin store STILL doesn’t have a proper lock
- New communal smoke alarms didn’t sound
This all follows years of issues around fly tipping and overfilling due to them being insecure. @ThreeRiversDC @libdemdaisy
It comes just months after a fire there on January 24, which forced emergency services to evacuate the block.
Four fire engines were called out to what a resident described as a "huge fire" that "could have been a lot worse".
Risk Emma, Thrive Homes' assistant director for business assurance, said it was aware of the second fire and that it was working with the authorities to investigate the cause.
She added: “The safety of our customers is very important to us and we are encouraging customers to report fly-tipping or suspicious activity to us.
“We are in regular contact with customers at this address, providing them with detailed information on fire prevention and safety, alongside timeframes for the completion of works and installation of bespoke heavy duty doors."
- Flats evacuated during Kings Langley bin-store 'huge fire'
- 'Rat infestation' filmed at Kings Langley bin store
In autumn 2022 and July 2023, the Watford Observer previously reported on concerns about the store, which residents said was becoming a “serious health hazard”.
They claimed it was "infested" with rats, while dumped mattresses and furniture were pictured piling up inside and along the alley outside.
Following today’s incident, the resident who posted photos of the fire said it followed “years of issues around fly-tipping and overfilling due to them being unsecure”.
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