FIREFIGHTERS scrambled to the paper mill in Overton following a chemical reaction within a large container on Sunday evening.

Overton, Whitchurch and Basingstoke firefighters along with specialist vehicles from Andover and Romsey, and a hazmat officer, were called to the scene at 9.17pm on August 14 after a 1,000-litre tank had expanded due to the chemicals inside.

In consultation with national chemical experts, crews worked to protect the environment, ensuring there was no spillage, and that the temperature was monitored using a thermal imaging camera.

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Stockbridge, Rushmoor, Winchester and Fleet firefighters attended to take over the incident, allowing the crews who arrived first, and had been on scene for a number of hours, to return to station.

Overnight crews worked to cool the tank down to a safe temperature, before the incident was handed back to on-site teams.

Firefighters left the scene at 8.45am on Monday, August 15.