Tilbury: Fire At Power Station
Around 100 firefighters have been tackling a 'significant' blaze at Tilbury Power Station. Pictures: Ian Nicholson/PA and Jenny Line/Heart Essex
1. Tilbury Power Station Fire 1
Around 100 firefighters were called out to the blaze at Tilbury Power Station on Monday morning.
2. Tilbury Power Station Fire 2
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were called to the power station at about 7.46am, with 15 fire engines and three aerial ladder platforms, used to reach higher places, sent to the scene.
3. Tilbury Power Station Fire 3
A spokesman, who described the blaze as "severe'", said the officer in charge had reported that the fire was in a wood pellet hopper containing 2,100 tonnes of machinery.
4. Tilbury Power Station Fire 4
Opened in 1969, Tilbury previously operated as a coal-fired power station but has been converted to generate power from 100% sustainable biomass until its scheduled closure at the end of 2015.
5. Tilbury Power Station Fire 5
A spokesman for RWE npower, which owns the power station, said: "A fire broke out in a fuel storage area at Tilbury power station. The health and safety of our employees is our absolute priority and all have been accounted for.'"
6. Tilbury Power Station Fire 6
Incident commander, Chief Fire Officer David Johnson, said the blaze was one of the most challenging he had dealt with in his 20-year career. "The fire involves 4-6,000 tonnes of biomass high up in the power station building,'' he said. "The fuel cells are designed to carry dry fuel so pouring water on to them and making them significantly heavier could potentially damage the structure of the building."
7. Tilbury Power Station Fire 7
Incident commander, Chief Fire Officer David Johnson: "The fire is not yet under control but we have the best equipment in the country in Essex and that is being used to maximum effect. We expect this to be a protracted incident going on for some hours, if not days."
8. Tilbury Power Station Fire 8
Picture: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
9. Tilbury Power Station Fire 9
Picture: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbHAq6tnm59jwqx7xKyqnrBfo7K4v46toKWapafGbrLIq5xmqJ%2BssrN50q2YraGfo3w%3D