Tata Steel UK begins assessment after Port Talbot fire, says Hot Strip Mill restart to begin next week
Tata Steel UK on Friday (local time) shared an update on the incident on the Pickle Line on June 3, stating that work was ongoing to carry out a full assessment of the affected area.
According to the statement, the Hot Strip Facility was temporarily disabled during the incident. It was also stated that teams are working on a planned restart in the middle of next week.
It also noted that supply chain teams are actively implementing mitigation plans, including alternative processing at the Llanwern Cold Mill and Pickle Line.
Fire at Pickle Line factory: Here’s what we know
A fire broke out Wednesday at a facility in England that was transitioning to a low-carbon steel production process, according to a company statement published Thursday. “All personnel were counted and evacuated safely from the site,” Tata Steel UK said.
The company said Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade attended the Port Talbot site at around 8pm (UK time) on June 3 to combat a fire that broke out on one of the site’s processing lines.
Tata Steel UK said emergency services were working with local teams to fully extinguish the fire, adding that further updates will be shared as information becomes available.
In October 2024, Tata Steel stopped iron production at its Port Talbot facility and temporarily paused steel production pending the construction of a 3.2 MTPA electric arc furnace.
The fire caused “significant damage”; no casualties reported
As emergency fire crews continue to battle the blaze at the factory in south Wales, a trade union said the blaze had caused “significant damage”. The company noted that emergency services remain in the area and are working with local teams to completely extinguish the fire.
The statement stated, “The incident is not related to the safe and successful demolition of the empty and unnecessary Gas Holder in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) evening.”
Unite trade union General Secretary Sharon Graham confirmed no one was injured in the fire after workers were safely evacuated. Graham added: “The fire caused significant damage to a vital production line. Measures must now be taken to protect jobs both at Tata and across the supply chain during any period of disruption.”
“In the meantime, we ask Tata and the government to ensure that operations are rebuilt as quickly as possible,” he said.
Peter Hughes, Unite’s Wales secretary, said the union was committed to working with the company to “secure the long-term future of Port Talbot and the entire Tata operation in the UK”.
Warning issued to neighborhood residents
Residents living near the steelworks, one of the world’s largest, have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed, but air quality is not believed to be seriously affected.
South Wales Police said: “Large plumes of smoke are visible in the area. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible.” he said.
Tata Steel said the cause of the fire was being investigated and emphasized that the incident was unrelated to the earlier demolition of an old gas tank, which the company said was completed safely and successfully on Wednesday evening.
