National Grid site fire shuts down power cable between France and UK
- Published
The fire at the National Grid site broke out just after midnight
A fire at a National Grid site has shut down a power cable linking electricity supplies between the UK and France.
Twelve fire crews were sent to the site in Sellindge near Ashford on Wednesday, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said.
National Grid said the site had been evacuated, and there have been no reports of casualties.
National Grid ESO, which balances energy supplies in the UK, said it expects to "continue supplying electricity safely and securely".
A power cable running under the English Channel was "not operating" after the fire, the National Grid said.
The company - which owns energy infrastructure like overhead and underground power cables - said there would be a reduction in the amount of electricity available to the network until 13 October following the fire.
The fire service said four crews remained at the seen "dampening down remaining hot spots" at 14:45 BST.
It said water pressure may drop in the area as crews continue to fight the blaze.
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