Ferrybridge power station blaze investigation under way

An investigation has begun into the cause of a fire at Ferrybridge C power station near Castleford, West Yorkshire.

The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, caused the partial collapse of a tower on the site but no-one was injured.

At its height, about 75 firefighters were brought in to tackle the 100ft (30m) high flames.

About 15 firefighters were damping down at the site earlier on Friday but have since left.

Black smoke coming from the coal-fired power station led to problems on nearby roads, with drivers and householders advised to keep windows shut.

The blaze was serious enough to put two 490MW generating units out of action for some months, operator SSE said.

National Grid said the station was on "summer shutdown" and had not been generating electricity.

It added that the loss of input from Ferrybridge would be factored into its winter plans.

Ferrybridge C is the third coal-fired power station to be built on the site since 1924

A SSE spokesman said: "Ferrybridge staff are working closely with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency services today to assess what has happened and to determine next steps."

Ferrybridge C is situated on the River Aire and is the third coal-fired power station to be built on the site since 1924.

The power station first fed electricity into the national grid in February 1966.