A large fire broke out on Thursday morning on the site of a former power station in south Wales.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene of a large scale fire at Aberthaw Power Station near Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan. Fire crews from across south Wales were first called to the scene at around 9am.
Nearby residents living in Rhoose and Font-Y-Gary have been urged to keep doors and windows closed as emergency services work at the scene.
Footage of the incident shows plumes of black smoke billowing above what was Wales’ last coal-fired power station.
A statement from South Wales Fire and Rescue reads: “South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to a large industrial fire at Aberthaw Power Station, Barry, at approximately 9.32pm today.
“Crews from stations including Ely, Llantwit Major, Kenfig Hill, Barry, Penarth, Whitchurch, Cardiff Central, Pontypridd, Maindee, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfill, New Inn, Cwmbran, Tonypandy and Bridgend remain at the scene, supported by eight fire appliances, four water bowsers, two aerial hydraulic platforms, and a range of specialist equipment.
SWFRS manager Tony Redman added: “Crews continue to tackle the fire at Aberthaw Power Station, Barry. We are advising residents to keep their windows and doors closed.
“Although the current wind direction is carrying the majority of smoke out to sea, smoke may affect those in areas including Rhoose and Font-Y-Gary.
“We thank the public for their cooperation.”
Aberthaw Power Station closed in 2020 and Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) committed itself to purchasing the site from previous owner RWE in 2022 for £8m. Plans to turn it into a renewable energy park were revealed years ago.
In recent months, contractors have been demolishing the huge structure, which dates back to the 1960s.
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