Fire raging at Ferrybridge power station

Ferrybridge power station near Castleford in Yorkshire is currently on fire, with black smoke billowing from the plant.

 

An estimated 75 firefighters are currently at the scene, having been sent there by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at around 2pm.

 

According to the West Yorkshire Fire Service, there has been a "partial collapse of the tower which is on fire", but no injuries have been reported. 

 

The plant is operated by SSE. A spokesperson for the company said: "At around 14:00 today a serious incident occurred at SSE's Ferrybridge C power station in West Yorkshire.

 

"The company's practised emergency response procedures have been activated.

 

"West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance and dealing with the incident with assistance from expert engineers on site. All personnel have been been accounted for and no injuries have been reported at this stage."

 

Motorists close to the scene have been advised by Public Health England to keep windows and air vents closed, and also to turn off air conditioning. Householders have also been told to keep windows shut, and if possible to stay indoors. 

 

Here are some of the tweets that were posted following the incident:

 

https://twitter.com/WYP_RPU/status/494874807138545664

 

https://twitter.com/katebradbrook/status/494846229420179457

 

https://twitter.com/SnapperJakeO/status/494844529363529728