Emergency services were called to the Tata Steel site in Port Talbot on Wednesday 3 June, after being alerted to a “significant fire” at one of the plant’s processing lines

Fire crews from Mid and West Wales Fire Service (MAWWFS) were mobilised shortly after 8pm, with Tata Steel later confirming that the site had been safely evacuated of its staff. Crews from 16 fire stations tackled the blaze, with MAWWFS supported by both South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Avon Fire and Rescue Service.

Footage captured at the scene shows large flames and plumes of black and grey smoke surrounding the site. Locals were asked to keep their windows and doors closed as firefighters dealt with the incident, with a spokesperson for South Wales Police stating:

"Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident at Tata Steel, Port Talbot. Large plumes of smoke are visible in the area.

"Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Thank you for your patience."

As reported by ITV News, residents told media that they could hear alarms sounding and smell smoke from a mile away.

Also in attendance were Rapid Relief Team UK, providing support to emergency services and firefighters throughout the night: "Emergency crews have been working through the night at a major incident at Tata Steelworks in Port Talbot, involving a significant fire. With 8 fire appliances, 2 foam units, 2 high-reach turntable platforms, and an HVP on scene, around 100 responders faced an incredibly demanding and hazardous night's work.”

"…We are grateful to every responder who showed up for such a challenging incident."

In a statement issued the following day (4 June), Tata Steel said that a controlled demolition had been carried out on a redundant gas container at the site, but that it was not related to the processing line fire.

"Mid and West Wales Fire Service remain on the Port Talbot site and retain control of the area of the Cold Mill where the fire took place last night.

"We are therefore currently unable to assess the cause of the fire, the scale of the damage, or the potential impact on operations. Nevertheless, the company is investigating a number of options in order to minimise the potential impact on its downstream businesses and external customers.

"A company spokesperson has confirmed that the fire was restricted to a confined area, and that while the site’s Hot Rolling Mill was paused as a precaution, it was unaffected and is expected to restart production shortly."

Sharon Graham, General Secretary for Unite the Union, thanked emergency services for bringing the situation under control so quickly:

“Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire, and workers were evacuated safely.

“However, the fire did cause substantial damage to a vital production line. Measures must now be put in place to protect jobs both at Tata and down 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.”