ESSEX RAYNET PUT ON STANDBY 

At approximately 11.20 on Wednesday 31^st October 2007 a large fire broke out at the oil refinery in Coryton following an explosion. Toxic fumes could be released and concerns were expressed about local residents and the pupils at a number of primary schools in the near vicinity.

As part of their contingency plans, Thurrock Emergency Planning department started to make arrangements to open rest centres should the Police decide to evacuate residents.

Essex RAYNET was place on standby to provide communications between centres and the Council offices.  Essex RAYNET’s Engineering Officer notified various members of the management committee and area controllers. Within an hour, in excess of 13 members were contacted and indicated their willingness to turn out if the need arose.

As the fire service worked to get the incident under control, it became apparent that evacuation would not be required. At 15.30 Essex RAYNET were stood down by Thurrock council.