Wind turbine fire near Chumleigh in Devon

What happened

Emergency services responded to a wind turbine fire near Chumleigh, Devon, on 26 September 2024. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service sent two fire engines after 999 calls at about 2:12pm. On arrival, crews found the turbine well alight, with flames from the engine about 30 metres up. Because of the height and severity, crews set a safety cordon and waited for the owner. The owner then isolated the turbine, and firefighters assessed the scene.

The turbine was severely damaged. Initial reports deemed the cause accidental. No injuries were reported. At the time of the report, the extent of the damage and any effect on local energy supplies was still being assessed.

Contributing factors

Initial reports deemed the fire accidental. No further contributing factors were reported.

Lessons learned

1. Owners need a way to isolate a turbine quickly when fire crews are on scene.
2. Plans for turbine fires should cover work at height, including a safety cordon.
3. Early contact between the fire service and the asset owner helps crews assess the scene once the turbine is isolated.

Source

devonlive.com