Wind turbine catches fire and explodes at Blaen Bowi

What happened

A wind turbine at Blaen Bowi Wind Farm on Moelfra Hill near Newcastle Emlyn caught fire shortly before midday on 28 January 2024. Fire crews from Newcastle Emlyn and Carmarthen were called at 11.46 and found the turbine well alight, with pieces of debris falling nearby. Onlookers reported that the top section burst into flames, dropped off while still burning and exploded when it hit the ground. Crews monitored the debris and took no further action. The landowner continued to watch for fire spread and falling debris. Crews left at 13.03. The cause was not reported.

Contributing factors

The cause was not reported. The article does not say which part failed or why the fire started.

Lessons learned

1. A burning turbine top can detach and fall while still alight, so the exclusion area needs to cover falling debris as well as the tower.
2. Where a turbine fire cannot be fought directly, crews may need to monitor debris and fire spread, and the landowner may need to continue that watch after crews leave.
3. With no cause reported, operators should still identify the failed unit and preserve debris so the failure can be investigated.

Source

tivysideadvertiser.co.uk