Sir, Looking at the plan of the tank farm in The Times (Dec 12), it seems that there are 3 large tanks in one bund, 4 of a different size in another and two other bunds each containing 7 tanks of various sizes. This is bad practice, as if one of the tanks inside the bund leaks, then vapour would surround all the tanks in the bund and, if it caught fire, would take all of the tanks into a conflagration.

Also, noting the proximity of the tanks to each other, it appears that because it is a strategically placed site, the oil companies squeezed in as many tanks as possible. They are too near to each other to avoid rupturing from the intense heat from neighbouring tanks on fire.

A big leak from a pipeline outside a bund would immerse the site in a “pool” of vapour. From this “pool” a cloud of vapour could spread until it found a source of ignition, or it could ignite spontaneously from static electricity generated by the rapid diffusion of the vapour at its edge.

This is so fundamental that the occupiers, the local authority and HSE can all be criticised for allowing this layout to develop and remain. It would be interesting to review the practice at other tank farms and refineries.

JOHN BUSBY
Lawshall, Suffolk

Sir, This disaster further demonstrates the need for proof of the safety of public facilities. A current example is the need for scientific proof of the safe operation and disposal of nuclear power generation facilities, before extending them further.

Buncefield shows that we need such assurance, not from politicians or economists but from ecologically orientated scientists.

RAYMOND V. COLEMAN
St Albans, Herts

Sir, I can’t say I am reassured by the way the fire at the Buncefield oil depot was handled by the emergency services. The Government is supposed to have contingency plans for disasters such as this.

It seems that nothing was done for 24 hours because there was not enough foam and equipment to put the fire out. In the meantime the powers that be make soothing noises and all work stops because it is too dangerous. In the 1940s firefighters were putting out the flames as the bombs fell.

MARTIN BELLAMY
Cirencester, Glos

Sir, Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Thank heavens that Buncefield did not result in greater injuries. However, our emergency services have been constrained in their efforts. Do they blanket the fire with foam or does the “environmental impact” take priority? The availability of that foam should also be a matter of concern.

When are we going to let professionals get on with their jobs?

TOM WILLIAMS
Slough, Berks

Sir, Veterans will recall the effect of oil tank explosions at Dunkirk. At the height of the Army’s evacuation residents in southeast England remember the plume of oil-laden smoke being blown across the Channel. The droplets fell across Kent and on to the outskirts of southeast London — a distance of some 80 miles.

KNOWLER EDMONDS
Pwllheli, Gwynedd

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