Firefighters were called to a huge blaze at the former Aberthaw Power Station in the Vale of Glamorgan on Thursday morning and did not leave the scene until midnight. Thick black smoke billowed above the site near Rhoose, prompting warnings for nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed.
Fire Reignites After Initial Control
At one point, when the fire appeared to be under control, the building—which was Wales' last coal-fired power station—burst into flames again, according to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
A spokesperson for the service said: "We attended a large fire at Aberthaw Power Station, Barry at around 9.32am on July 2. 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 fought the fire, supported by eight fire appliances, four water bowsers, two aerial hydraulic platforms, and a range of specialist equipment."
Firefighters on Scene for Hours
Crews left the scene around midnight, and a reinspection took place the following morning. The stop message was received at approximately 7.57am, with no signs of heat, smoke or fire identified in the building.
The spokesperson added: "We thank the local community and partners for their cooperation and support."
Site History and Future Plans
Aberthaw Power Station closed in 2020. Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) committed to purchasing the site from previous owner RWE in 2022 for £8 million. Plans to transform it into a renewable energy park were revealed years ago, and contractors have been demolishing the huge structure, which dates back to the 1960s.
CCR Energy, the company leading the redevelopment project, stated: "Following yesterday's fire at our site in Aberthaw, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now concluded its response. Crews left the scene around midnight, and a reinspection took place this morning. No signs of heat, smoke or fire were identified in the building. We would like to thank South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and all responding agencies for their swift and professional response. We are also grateful to our partners, local residents, stakeholders and the wider community for their patience, understanding and support throughout the incident. We continue to work closely with our partners as the site returns to normal operations."
CCR Energy confirmed that all of its personnel have been reported safe. The company is currently leading a project to redevelop the site to produce alternative energy.
