Hazmat incident fetches emergency response in Maidenhead

Firefighters were called out to a hazmat incident in Maidenhead on Friday.

At about 5.45am on October 24, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) received reports of a road traffic collision on Bridge Avenue.

A crew from Maidenhead Fire Station was sent to the scene alongside the Operational Support Unit from Whitley Wood Fire Station.

An OSU provides support for major or complicated incidents, ranging from equipment maintenance and logistics to incident command assistance.

Upon arrival, the crew found a lorry had crashed and was leaking diesel. Firefighters used a Dammit mat and absorbent granules to contain the leak.

A Dammit mat is used to instantly seal drains during a spill, to prevent chemicals and oils from entering storm drains. Granular materials are to quickly and safely absorb liquids like oils, chemicals, and other hazardous substances during a spill.

Storm drains usually carry water straight to local rivers, streams or lakes, without going through a treatment plant. So any chemicals or oils entering them would flow directly into those water bodies.

Toxic substances can kill fish, insects and plants, and disrupt ecosystems by removing oxygen from the water or coating surfaces.

Once in the drainage network, chemicals can travel long distances, especially during rainfall, spreading pollution over a large area.

If contaminated water reaches recreational areas or water sources, it can pose risks to people through contact or consumption.

Diesel lingers longer in soil and water, making it harder to clean up and more damaging to aquatic life. It is lighter than water, so it spreads quickly across the surface, forming a thin oily film that can cover a large area.

It also evaporates partly into the air, releasing toxic fumes, while the rest may cling to sediments or vegetation. Cleaning it up requires specialist equipment.

It can make water smell and taste foul, and even tiny traces can make it unsafe for drinking or recreational use.

After absorbing the fuel on Bridge Avenue, fire crews drained the remaining diesel from the leaking fuel tank.

They were at the scene for approximately two hours and 15 minutes.