Firefighters are currently working to contain a significant fire at the Tata Steel facility in Port Talbot, South Wales. The blaze, which started on Wednesday evening, has led to thick clouds of smoke rising from the plant, located near residential neighborhoods. Witnesses reported hearing alarms around 7pm, followed by the emergence of black smoke from the site, with sirens continuing to sound until midnight.
Videos circulating on Wales Online depict smoke billowing from the plant, with some locals noting the taste of it in the air. South Wales Police spokesperson advised residents to keep their windows and doors shut due to the visible smoke in the vicinity, urging them to steer clear of the area and seek alternative routes if necessary.
Earlier on the same evening, Tata Steel conducted a controlled demolition of a gas holder at the Port Talbot site. While the company stated the demolition was carried out safely, it is unrelated to the ongoing fire incident. Residents in the area mentioned feeling their homes shake when the gas holder was demolished.
Tata Steel clarified that the demolition was part of engineering works to create space for future raw material handling areas for a new electric arc furnace. The company expressed gratitude to the teams involved in the demolition process and apologized for any inconveniences caused.
A resident residing on Beechwood Road in Port Talbot shared their experience with Wales Online, mentioning the sudden alarms and smoke emerging from the site without prior notification about the controlled explosion. They described the smoky condition outside as hindering visibility of front gardens from the windows at one point.
South Wales Police reiterated the advice for residents to keep windows and doors closed, avoid the area, and seek alternative routes if necessary.
