Cornflakes up in smoke at Bromborough factory

Oct 14 2008 By Matt Hurst

THERE was plenty of snap, crackle and pop in the early hours of this morning (October 14) when a batch oven baking cornflakes burst into flames at Cereal Partners UK in Bromborough.

Merseyside Fire Service was called to the incident at around 2.40am after the fire alarm at the premises sounded.

They discovered the source of the blaze in one of the huge cereal ovens and initially requested assistance from four fire engines.

Breathing equipment was then put into use as firefighters sought to check the oven and ensure it cooled down effectively.

Damage was restricted to a gas-powered thermaglide toaster and other ovens were able to continue production.

Cereal Partners' Bromborough site is one of the company's largest and produces Nestle breakfast products, including Shredded Wheat, Cheerios and Shreddies.

Another of the firm's line, Golden Nuggets, is thought to have escaped the blaze untouched.

Nobody was injured in the incident and, after carrying out checks,  Merseyside Fire Service left the scene at around 4am, just in time for breakfast.