Wind turbine catches fire on French Drove, Thorney

On the evening of 24 April 2022 a wind turbine on French Drove in Thorney, in the Cambridgeshire Fens, caught fire. Crews found the motor and blades well alight. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service sent crews from Crowland and Market Deeping. The incident was later handed to Cambridgeshire crews from Dogsthorpe and then left with the wind turbine company. Reports say no firefighting action was taken. Nearby residents were advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed. The area was checked again that evening and the next morning. The fire service described the cause as accidental. One report said an electrical fault was believed to be involved, but the exact cause was not established.

The fire service classed the fire as accidental. An exact cause was not established. One local report said an electrical fault was believed to be involved. Wider commentary in the coverage, not a finding for this turbine, says turbine fires are often linked to electrical or mechanical faults.

1. A turbine fire can already involve the motor and blades by the time crews arrive, so early detection and a clear handover to the operator matter.
2. Where height or access limits firefighting, plans should cover isolating the asset, advising nearby residents, and reinspecting after the fire.
3. Keep the cause unconfirmed until investigation separates an accidental electrical or mechanical fault from other possibilities.

cambstimes.co.uk/news/wind-turbine-catches-fire-in-the-fens-8917716