Heat build-up at thermal energy storage plant in Tomago

What happened

Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to a dangerous heat build-up at a thermal energy storage plant in Laverick Avenue, Tomago, in the Hunter Valley, just after 5.15 in the morning on 6 October 2023. Three employees reached safety. An 800 metre exclusion zone was established and 15 neighbouring businesses were evacuated. Firefighters sprayed carbon dioxide from a bulk tanker brought from Sydney onto overheated machinery reported as 14 by 3 metres, because water could not be used owing to the risk of explosion.

Dry chemical powder extinguishers were used on burning electrical cables. The scene was later deemed to be in a steady state and the emergency was scaled down. A hazardous materials crew was to remain for a day or two to monitor the site.

Lessons learned

1. Where water cooling could cause an explosion, crews need a planned alternative such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical for overheated plant and burning cables.
2. An exclusion zone and evacuation of neighbouring premises should be set early when heat build-up cannot be cooled in the usual way.
3. After the emergency is scaled down, monitoring should continue until the plant is confirmed stable.

Source

fire.nsw.gov.au