Emergency services were called to Tata Steel’s works in Port Talbot on Wednesday night following reports of a fire at one of the site’s processing lines.
All personnel at the site were evacuated and accounted for, Tata Steel confirmed.
Large plumes of smoke were visible in the area, and South Wales Police advised nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible.
Firefighters arrived at around 8pm, and have remained at the scene to battle the blaze throughout Thursday.
In a statement issued today (Friday), a fire service spokesperson said: “The fire at the Tata Steel UK Works in Port Talbot has now been extinguished.
“Since Wednesday (June 3), our crews have dealt with large-scale industrial fire at the steel works.
“Overall, with crew rotations, crews from Port Talbot, Neath, Morriston, Glynneath, Swansea West, Cymmer, Swansea Central, Pontarddulais, Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford, Gorseinon, Pont-iets, Kidwelly, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Tumble Fire Stations attended the incident.
“With support from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Avon Fire and Rescue Service, crews responded to a fire within an industrial building measuring approximately 1,200 metres by 200 metres, used as a cold mill and pickle line.
“Thank you to our firefighters and our joint control room operators for their commitment and hard work.”
Tata Steel confirmed that the fire was restricted to a confined area, and that while the site’s Hot Rolling Mill was paused as a precaution, it was unaffected.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Following the incident at the Pickle Line on Wednesday evening, work is now underway to carry out a full assessment of the area affected.
“During the incident, the Hot Strip Mill was temporarily taken offline. Teams are working towards a planned restart in the middle of next week.
“Our supply chain teams are actively implementing mitigation plans, including alternative processing at the Llanwern Cold Mill and Pickle Line.
“These actions are focused on maintaining continuity of supply and supporting our customers during this period.
“Our priority remains the safety of our people and the safe, stable operation of our assets. We will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.
“We would like to thank our employees and the emergency services for their swift and professional response.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, said: “I want to thank the emergency services for bringing the situation under control so quickly.
“Thankfully no-one was injured in the fire and workers were evacuated safely.
“However, the fire did cause substantial damage to a vital production line.
“Measures must now be put in place to protect jobs both at Tata and down the supply chain during any period of disruption.
“Meanwhile we are asking Tata and the government to ensure that operations are rebuilt as swiftly as possible.”
