Firefighters respond to battery storage site Fire in East Tilbury

Update 5pm, 20 February 2025

The fire has been safely brought under control, and crews are now scaling back their response ready to hand the scene over to the site management.

Area Manager Dan Partridge said:
"Over the last 24 hours, firefighters have worked tirelessly to contain the fire, prevent further risks, and ensure the safety of the site and surrounding area. The response was supported by the site's safety measures, including a reliable local fire water supply and appropriate spacing between battery units, which helped limit the spread of the fire. I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion."

Fire Officers will carry out an investigation with the site owners and its equipment suppliers into the cause of the fire when it is safe to do so.

Firefighters are currently responding to a fire at a battery energy storage site (BESS), currently under construction in East Tilbury.

The site consists of multiple containers housing battery units.

The fire was caused by a fault in one of the battery cells within a single containerised battery unit, leading to ignition. Fire crews have been on-site since the call came in, working to prevent the fire from spreading and ensuring the situation remains safe.

Area Manager Dan Partridge said:
"Our firefighters have worked quickly and effectively alongside the site owners and Thurrock Council to manage this fire safely. Through close monitoring and a carefully controlled response, we have contained the fire and made sure there is no risk to the wider community."

Firefighters have been using specialist equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and drones, to monitor temperatures and manage the fire in a controlled manner. Water has been used to prevent heat transfer, and crews continue to oversee the situation.

Thanks to the swift response and collaborative efforts, the fire is under control. Crews are expected to remain on-site for the rest of the day to make sure the area is completely safe.

An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place once it has been fully extinguished and conditions allow.