A major fire broke out at the Tata Steel plant in Port Talbot, south Wales, Wednesday evening, causing substantial damage to a key production line and prompting authorities to ask local residents to stay indoors.
The blaze began at around 8:00 p.m. local time at one of the site's processing lines. Staff were safely evacuated, the company said. Large plumes of smoke rose above the plant and were visible across the surrounding area.
According to BBC News, South Wales Police confirmed emergency services remained at the scene Thursday and were continuing to manage the incident. Mid and West Wales Fire Service described the situation as ongoing Thursday morning and asked the public to avoid the area to allow emergency service access.
Siân Thomas, a resident of Margam who could see the fire from her window, said she heard a loud bang Wednesday night that "frightened everybody and the animals," followed by alarms. "The smoke got thicker and the sky was black," she said. "It was very scary."
Councillor Kellie Evans, who was driving near the fire, described the scene as "very apocalyptic." She said she "couldn't see the flames because the sky was so black," and noted that many drivers stopped to look.
Rapid Relief Team UK said around 100 responders faced an incredibly demanding and hazardous night's work. Volunteers arrived within 90 minutes of the callout and served 125 hot meals overnight to keep crews supported. A member of the RRT team said part of the building had collapsed inward, trapping the fire underneath and making it difficult to control.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham confirmed the fire caused "substantial damage" to a "vital production line" but said she was thankful no workers were injured. Graham called for measures to protect jobs both at Tata and across 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," she added.
Tata Steel said the fire was not connected to a controlled demolition of an old gas holder that took place Wednesday evening at the same site. The company thanked site staff and emergency services for their "prompt and professional action."
