Fire At Battery Energy Storage Site Raises Safety Concerns
In February 2025, firefighters responded to a significant fire at a battery energy storage site (BESS) in East Tilbury. Crews from Orsett, Basildon, and Corringham fire stations, mobilised by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS), battled the blaze for nearly 24 hours. The site, which is still under construction, consists of multiple containerised battery units.
ECFRS initially reported that the fire was caused by “a fault in one of the battery cells within a single containerised battery unit, leading to ignition.” Firefighters used specialist equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and drones, to monitor temperatures and manage the fire in a controlled manner, preventing further spread. Water was strategically applied to prevent heat transfer. Dan Partridge, Area Manager for ECFRS, emphasised the effectiveness of the coordinated response: “Through close monitoring and a carefully controlled response, we have contained the fire and ensured there is no risk to the wider community.”
On February 20, ECFRS confirmed that the fire had been successfully brought under control, and crews began scaling back their response. Partridge further highlighted the role of the site’s safety measures in limiting the fire’s spread: “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.”
ECFRS has confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted in collaboration with the site owners and equipment suppliers once it is safe to do so.
Growing Concerns Over Battery Energy Storage Safety
Across the UK, campaigners are raising concerns about the fire risks associated with BESS facilities, particularly as their development accelerates in rural, industrial, and urban areas. The increasing reliance on battery technology for energy storage has led to heightened scrutiny of its safety implications.
In North Yorkshire, for example, a proposed BESS facility near East Rounton has sparked opposition due to concerns about the “very high risk” of fire at the site. NatPower, the company behind the project, has stated that it is working with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the local authority to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. A spokesperson for NatPower confirmed that fire safety measures would be integrated into the battery design, including a fire suppression system to prevent overheating.
The Role of BESS in the Energy Sector
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are large-scale battery facilities designed to store electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar power. These systems play a crucial role in balancing supply and demand within the grid by storing excess energy and releasing it when needed. Most BESS projects utilize lithium-ion batteries, which, while effective, introduce fire safety challenges that must be carefully managed.
Smaller BESS installations are also becoming increasingly common among private companies with extensive solar panel setups. As these technologies expand, they introduce additional fire hazards, making their inclusion in fire risk assessments essential. With the growing adoption of battery storage solutions, ensuring rigorous safety protocols is critical to preventing incidents like the one in East Tilbury. Fire risk assessments must be updated to account for the specific hazards posed by energy storage systems, reinforcing the need for proactive fire safety measures in this rapidly evolving sector.
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