It took 36 hours and more than 100 firefighters to bring the huge blaze in Port Talbot under control
Dramatic footage has shown the aftermath of a huge blaze at Tata steelworks which took 36 hours for fire crews to bring under control.
Emergency services were called to the steelworks in Port Talbot in huge numbers on Wednesday evening after a massive fire broke out.
Workers’ trade union Unite said the fire caused substantial damage to a “vital” production line and now footage shared by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) shows the devastation inside the industrial building.
Parts of the building, measuring approximately 1,200m by 200m, appear to have completely collapsed while other areas are covered in debris and have been flooded with water to try and bring the flames under control.
The building where the blaze broke out is used as a cold mill and pickle line.
Nobody was injured in the fire and workers were evacuated safely. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter
At the height of the incident 31 fire engines and more than 100 firefighters were in attendance. MAWWFRS said support was also offered by South Wales and Avon fire and rescue services.
This incident required a multi-agency response with South Wales Police, the ambulance service, the Urban Search and Rescue Team, engineers, the hazardous area response team, Public Health Wales, and Natural Resources Wales in attendance.
People who live near the site reported hearing alarms sounding at around 7pm on Wednesday before thick black smoke began rising from inside the plant.
The final fire crews left the scene at 9.34am on Friday.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, Craig Flannery, said: “Since Wednesday evening we have responded to several significant and complex incidents, most notably the major fire at the Tata Steel site in Port Talbot and a further large-scale industrial fire at Neath Abbey Wharf.
“These incidents have required substantial resources, careful coordination, and prolonged operational commitment.
“At Port Talbot crews dealt with a highly challenging industrial fire involving extensive infrastructure and hazardous materials.
“The scale and technical nature of this incident, alongside the requirement to transition to defensive firefighting due to structural concerns, has demonstrated the very highest standards of operational professionalism, decision-making, and discipline.”
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