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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Robert Harries

Warning as arsonists keep lighting fires at disused power plant

A warning has been issued after a recent spate of arson attacks at a disused Welsh power plant. Firefighters have recently responded to incidents at Baglan Bay Power Station near Port Talbot.

The site has been mostly decommissioned after the Baglan Group entered administration in the summer of 2020 when the power station stopped generating electricity. It was built in 2003 on the site of a former chemical plant. The fire service has said there have been several arson attacks at the site in recent times and has now issued a stark warning to those responsible, reminding them of the dangers they pose to themselves and to others, with some sections of the site considered unsafe.

A picture taken by the fire service at the site (Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Recently we have responded to several incidents at the mostly-decommissioned Baglan Bay Power Station following reports of repeated arson attacks. Not only are those who set deliberate fires endangering themselves, they also endanger the lives of firefighters, especially at large, complex, and dangerous sites such as Baglan Bay Power Station.

“As well as the usual dangers involved in fighting fires the crews that have responded to the several incidents at Baglan Bay Power Station have also had to be aware of other hazards such as large quantities of chemicals, hanging electrical cables, structurally unsafe areas, and more. In addition to the several arson attacks at Baglan Bay Power Station there is also evidence of cable theft and trespassers on-site. Starting a deliberate fire is a criminal offence.” The fire service added that anyone who has any information about fires being started deliberately can report it anonymously by calling Cymru/Wales CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.

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