Crane fire rescue in Reading sparks urgent HSE safety warning
Iain Hoey
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HSE calls for better fire controls on construction sites
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive has highlighted the need for improved fire safety following a crane fire at a high-rise site in Reading.
According to the BBC, the incident occurred on 23 November 2023 at the Station Hill development, where a blaze led to the rescue of a worker by crane operator Glen Edwards.
The HSE has stated that “hot work” – tasks involving heat or flames – should be eliminated from construction processes where possible.
The development is scheduled to open to commercial tenants, including PepsiCo, on Saturday.
Two individuals were treated for smoke inhalation after the incident, which produced smoke visible across Reading.
Crane operator’s actions draw national attention
BBC Radio Berkshire reported that Glen Edwards, the crane operator who conducted the rescue, received a Make a Difference award for his response during the fire.
The BBC noted that Edwards was nicknamed the “Bruce Willis of Reading” after his actions were shared widely across local and national media.
The incident occurred shortly before midday and required intervention by emergency services.
The crane operator used his equipment to lift a worker from the affected area of the building during the fire.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been asked to confirm the cause of the fire.
HSE highlights risks associated with hot work
The HSE stated that the fire has reinforced the importance of eliminating fire hazards during building construction.
A spokesperson for the organisation said: “This includes raising awareness that hot works should be designed out wherever possible, in order to eliminate fire risk.
“Those working on construction sites should ensure there are suitable and sufficient measures to manage the risk from fire.”
The HSE added that lessons learned from the incident have been shared across the construction sector to support improved safety standards.
Hot work, which involves welding, cutting or other processes using heat, is considered a common cause of fires during construction.
Redevelopment of former car park site
The fire occurred at a development being constructed on the former site of an NCP car park in Garrard Street, Reading.
The BBC reported that the site received planning permission from Reading Borough Council in January 2021.
The site is part of a wider regeneration project known as Station Hill, aimed at delivering commercial and residential buildings in the centre of Reading.
The building affected by the fire is due to open to tenants on 29 June 2025.
PepsiCo is among the first companies set to occupy space in the completed structure.
Emergency response and future recommendations
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to the fire, and efforts are ongoing to determine its exact cause.
According to the BBC, two individuals received medical treatment for smoke inhalation at the scene.
The HSE has called on industry stakeholders to assess current fire mitigation approaches and integrate preventive design methods.
Recommendations include evaluating project plans to remove or replace hot work processes and ensuring fire management systems are active throughout construction.
The organisation added that the incident has become a learning opportunity for the wider sector.
HSE urges fire risk review after crane fire in Reading: Summary
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive has followed a crane fire at the Station Hill construction site in Reading.
The fire occurred on 23 November 2023.
Crane operator Glen Edwards rescued a worker from the site during the fire.
Edwards received a BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference award for his actions.
The fire prompted plumes of smoke visible across Reading.
Two people were treated for smoke inhalation.
The HSE stated that hot work should be designed out of construction processes where possible.
The fire occurred on a building scheduled to open on 29 June 2025.
The structure is part of the Station Hill development and is located on the former site of an NCP car park.
Reading Borough Council approved the redevelopment plan in January 2021.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The HSE said lessons from the incident have been shared with the construction industry.
It recommended ensuring suitable and sufficient measures are in place to manage fire risks.