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The fire on the site of the 2012 Olympic Games in Stratford, east London, was caused by the ignition of insulation material inside the wall cavity of a building during cutting work with an oxy-acetylene torch.
A report by the Olympic Delivery Authority into the fire concluded that it was caused accidently during the demolition of a building on the site. Hot work on similar buildings on the site has been suspended while a review of procedures is carried out.
As the building contained asbestos, air, dust and debris from the fire was monitored on the afternoon of the fire and on the following day, but none was detected.
“These findings confirm initial indications both that the fire was caused by accident while the warehouse was prepared for demolition, and that public health was not put at risk,” said ODA chief executive David Higgins. “It also recognises that the site staff, emergency services and other bodies worked quickly and effectively together in their response to the fire. However this was a serious incident and we are instigating a thorough review of our stringent health and safety procedures as a result.”
During the cutting process, polystyrene insulation ignited and fire spread rapidly inside wall and roof cavities. Initial attempts to douse the fire failed and the building was evacuated and the emergency services called. There were no injuries.