UPDATE 1-UK regulators to prosecute Shell for Bacton gas fire

(Adds Shell comment, background)

LONDON Dec 2 (Reuters) - The UK's Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive said on Thursday they will prosecute Shell UK (RDSa.L: Quote) for breaching legislation following an explosion and fire at the Bacton gas terminal in 2008.

Shell said it had been "made aware" it will be prosecuted after a joint investigation by the two authorities.

The case's first hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2011, and will take place at Norwich City Magistrates' Court.

On Feb. 28, 2008 a fire broke out at a waste water treatment plant at the Bacton gas terminal run by Shell, which cut more than a tenth of British gas supply.

At the time Shell said the blaze was extinguished within hours and gas flows from the terminal resumed a day later.

There were no casualties following the incident, an Environment Agency spokeswoman said.

(Reporting by Karolin Schaps; Editing by Alison Birrane)