Mid and West Wales Fire Service was called to the Tata Steel site in Port Talbot last night (Wednesday, June 3) 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.
Firefighters arrived at around 8pm, and have remained at the scene to battle the blaze overnight.
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.
Tata Steel confirmed the fire was unrelated to a controlled demolition of an empty, redundant coke ovens gas holder – which took place at the steelworks from 6.30pm on Wednesday.
“Mid and West Wales Fire Service attended the Port Talbot site last night at around 8pm to deal with a fire at one of the site’s processing lines,” said a Tata Steel spokesperson on Thursday morning.
“All personnel were accounted for and evacuated from the area safely.
“At this time, the emergency services remain on site and are working with local teams to completely extinguish the fire.
“The incident is not related to the safe and successful demolition of the empty, redundant Gas Holder earlier yesterday evening.
“We would like to thank local site teams and the emergency services for their prompt and professional action.”
When the fire broke out, a South Wales Police spokesperson said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident at Tata Steel, Port Talbot.
“Large plumes of smoke are visible in the area. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed.
“Please avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Thank you for your patience.”
The force confirmed the incident was ongoing on Thursday morning.
“Several Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews are currently responding to separate incidents at Neath Abbey Wharf and Tata Steel, Port Talbot,” said a fire service spokesperson this morning (Thursday).
“Please avoid the areas and find alternative routes for your journey.
“We are currently dealing with this incident, please only call 999 if lives or property are in immediate danger.”
