FIRE crews were called to a fire at a cement unit on Monday morning to try and prevent an explosion. Firefighters tackled the blaze on a hydraulic lift pouring water into the cement filtration system at Lasarge Redland Aggregates in Langley Sidings, Londo

FIRE crews were called to a fire at a cement unit on Monday morning to try and prevent an explosion.

Firefighters tackled the blaze on a hydraulic lift pouring water into the cement filtration system at Lasarge Redland Aggregates in Langley Sidings, London Road, Stevenage.

The 6ft long filters within the system caught alight.

A Herts Fire Service spokesman said: "The fire crews were working to try and prevent a dust explosion.

"They cooled the system down using cooling jets of water and used the hydraulic platform so they didn't knock the machine.

"They also evacuated the area and switched off the electrical supply.

"The cause was recorded as accidental."

Three crews and three senior fire officers attended the scene after a call at 7.20am. The fire was under control by 10.30am.