Saturday 22 January 2011

Bradwell nuclear power station hit by fire



A fire has broken out at a disused nuclear power station in Essex.

Twelve fire crews were called to the blaze in a condenser unit, measuring four by six metres, at Bradwell Power Station at about 1230 GMT.

Assistant Divisional Officer Neil Fenwick, of the Essex Fire and Rescue Service, said titanium rods were being broken down and caught fire.

An Essex fire service spokesman said the blaze was brought under control by 1430 GMT.

A spokeswoman from Bradwell Power Station said: "The immediate vicinity was made safe and evacuated and the emergency services called who then promptly extinguished the fire.

"A full muster of the site was undertaken. All staff and contractors on site have been accounted for.

"There were no casualties and there was no release of radioactive materials.

"The situation is now under control and a thorough investigation will be undertaken."

The power station stopped operating in 2002.