THE AFTERMATH of a massive blaze in Coventry which took more than 70 firefighters to bring under control has contaminated a river and is thought to have caused the deaths of hundreds of fish in the River Sowe in Longford.
The fire broke out at Prologis Park, Central Boulevard, last Thursday night, completely destroying the Ram Enterprise in Ash Green.
It was well alight when firefighters arrived and their quick action curtailed it as it spread to a neighbouring unit which was able to be saved.
A total of ten engines attended from both West Midlands and Warwickshire Fire Services and water had to be taken from a local lake to fight the flames.
Police closed the surrounding roads and residents were told to shut their doors and windows because of the large plume of polluting smoke.
Environment Agency officers also attended to minimise the damage to the local wildlife and watercourses.
But since then it has come to light that hundreds of fish have been found dead with others struggling to breathe.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Our officers are continuing to minimise the environmental impacts from the pollution running into the River Sowe, Longford Park, Coventry.
“We’re investigating the source of the pollution, although a likely source is water run-off from a warehouse fire last week in the nearby industrial estate.
“We have used aeration equipment over the weekend to improve levels of oxygen in the water following reports of fish in distress.”
He urged anyone with environmental concerns in their area to call 0800 80 70 60.
