Storage World Fire update and CEO of Self Storage Association.

The CEO of the Self Storage Association has criticise media outlets for reporting on the Storage World fire in Middleton, stating that they are spreading false information regarding potential salvage operations. He emphasised that such operations are not safe and will not occur because of the building's danger.

Storage World in Middleton | 📷 Hopwood Radio

Mr. Rennie Schafer has made false statements in different media outlets, criticising other media outlets while repeatedly stating that no one would be permitted to salvage belongings, as salvage operations would be considered too dangerous and the entire building would be demolished. This backfired when Rochdale Council put out a statement stating the following.

Mr Rennie Schafer | CEO of Self Storage Association

"We anticipate that Storage World will create a salvage management plan, if possible, and update their customers at the appropriate time."

Storage World in Middleton has also been regularly updating customers and businesses and then started to provide the following information after Rochdale Council's statement was made public "any salvage operations must be done externally"

This began when another media outlet was notified that the site would temporarily be an active crime scene while investigations were carried out and that high-level meetings would be held to discuss salvage management plans this information was published before public statements. Upon publication of this information, Mr. Schafer became somewhat passive-aggressive because he and the storage world owners were not informed first, it was later confirmed the accuracy of the statements released by other media outlets were in fact true.

Mr. Schafer expressed criticism of this approach in his comments to other media outlets, stating that they were contributing to additional stress and grief.

"I hope you understand that these posts are causing more stress and grief for people in your community that are going through an incredibly difficult time. Please consider the impact they may have and validate information before posting."

Mr. Schafer has not yet issued a public apology to the other media outlets that have indeed conveyed the complete truth in their published statements and articles. We asked Mr Schafer some questions relating to the Storage World fire in Middleton.

Mr Schafer's answers below:

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Q1. What has been identified as the definitive cause of the fire, and what events occurred prior to the fire?

A. There is no definitive cause of the fire and there will be an investigation into its cause. The fire services stated that lithium ion batteries contributed to the severity of the fire and these may have been the cause but we do not know yet.

Q2. Did the building have a sprinkler system installed, and if so, why was it not activated?

A. There are fire alarms but no sprinkler system, there is no requirement for one and even if there was if it was lithium ion batteries contributing to the fire water can react with this and create further explosions.

Q3. What safety precautions were implemented?

A. As soon as the alarm was triggered the fire services were notified and the staff evacuated the building as the priority is on saving lives. When the fire services arrived the building had been successfully evacuated.

Q4. Are there any updates regarding the building or any planned salvage management strategies?

A. The building has been deemed unsafe by building control so no one can access it for salvage. They have ordered it demolished. The business is working with contractors to determine if any goods found can be salvaged during the demolition process or how this can best be managed.

Q5. . Has the site been designated or considered a crime scene pending investigations?

A. No this is misinformation. There is an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire but it is not and never has been a crime scene or criminal investigation. There is no evidence that the fire was deliberate in any way.

Q6. What are the future plans for the current site of Storage World in Middleton (e.g., will a new building be constructed for Storage World)?

A. At this stage the future use of the site has not been considered, we are focussing on dealing with customers and potentially salvaging any goods.

We understand this is a very traumatic time for many people and that some goods lost can not be replaced by insurance money. We are doing all we can to salvage any goods but this must be done safely and there needs to be a clear process for identifying any goods and returning them appropriately. Given the conditions placed on us by building control in stating the building unsafe and unable to be accesses by anyone, this makes the salvage operation very challenging. Unfortunately the vast majority of goods stored have already been totally destroyed by the fire or the water and other chemicals used to extinguish it.

Rennie Schafer

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Mr. Schafer has much to learn about the media industry and the processes of gathering and publishing information. His dissatisfaction with truthful publications does not justify his passive-aggressive behaviour or unprofessional conduct.

All information about Storage World in Middleton has been published as it is provided by official personnel, such as Police Officers and the Fire Service, which are considered official statements.

Media companies do not publish statements from the public because of potential conflicts. Such statements will only be released after official statements are made and an article with the correct information is published.

Storage World in Middleton has been partially demolished as planned to enable firefighters to safely extinguish the fire. The building fire has now been put out, but firefighters remain on site to monitor for hotspots and potential flare-ups.

Storage world owners also communicated via email that all salvage operations would be conducted externally. Entry into the building would be prohibited due to the dangers posed by the demolished roof and collapsed flooring. These operations would be handled by professional contractors.

Storage world owners continued, The site has now put in place 24/7 security to make sure no one enters the partially demolished building to try and salvage property which poses a danger to life and possible further collapse.