Posted: 10:13, August 3, 2022 | Updated: 10:37, August 3, 2022
Footage shows smoke billowing from a wind turbine that caught fire this morning. Heavy black smoke blankets Hull as multiple firefighters were called at around 7am this morning to tackle the wind turbine fire. The flames appear to be completely engulfing the turbine blades and residents have been advised to close their windows while the fire is being fought. The 125-metre (410 ft) high renewable energy source is located in the northern part of the city near the Croda chemical plant. Footage shows what appears to be smoke billowing from a wind turbine that caught fire this morning Heavy black smoke blankets Hull today as multiple firefighters were called at around 7am to the blaze The Hull Daily Mail reports that it is the oldest turbine in the city and is 125 meters tall. Planning permission was submitted in May 2006 and the turbine was approved in September 2007 to produce 2MW of electricity.
Wind turbine fire risk: Number ignited each year ten times higher than industry admits
Nearly 120 wind turbines catch fire each year, according to a 2014 survey – ten times the number reported by the industry. The evidence, compiled by engineers at Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh, makes fire the second biggest cause of accidents after blade failure. The researchers claim that of the 200,000 turbines worldwide, 117 fires occur annually – far more than the 12 reported by wind farm companies. The fire has a huge economic impact on the industry, researchers report in the journal Fire Safety Science. Each wind turbine costs over £2m and generates an estimated income of over £500,000 a year. Any loss or disruption of these valuable assets makes the industry less viable and productive.
It helps supply the nearby chemical plant on the banks of the River Hull. The BBC reported that the fire was now out after parts of it fell onto the grass, burning the area. Sean Casey, who works nearby, said: “We started evacuating just for safety and then the flames started [at 7am],’ he said. “It was pretty horrible to watch. “The flames became quite intense. We were afraid that it would fall. We could see pieces falling, all the cars have debris on them.’ Lewis Scott, Hull FC’s media manager, was filming the fire for social media around 8am. He said on Twitter: “Wind turbine at Croda in North Hull in major disturbance this morning – massive fire and looks like it’s collapsing. “Heavy black smoke drifting east across town.” Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said on Twitter that they had received “multiple calls” about the fire. The statement said: “We are receiving multiple calls regarding a wind turbine fire in the Oak Road fields between Clough Road and Sutton Fields in Hull. “Crews are present.” Almost 120 wind turbines catch fire every year in the UK, according to a 2014 survey – ten times the number reported by the industry. The evidence, compiled by engineers at Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh, makes fire the second biggest cause of accidents after blade failure. The researchers claim that of the 200,000 turbines worldwide, 117 fires occur annually – far more than the 12 reported by wind farm companies. The fire has a huge economic impact on the industry, researchers report in the journal Fire Safety Science. Each wind turbine costs over £2m and generates an estimated income of over £500,000 a year. Any loss or disruption of these valuable assets makes the industry less viable and productive.
