Update: Didcot B power station fire

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service was called to the station at around 8.10pm on Sunday 19 October.

The fire began in a cooling tower and spread to three others, because of strong wind.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control at around 10pm yesterday. It was extinguished at around midnight.

Firefighters spent much of today dampening-down the site before leaving at mid-afternoon.

Cause of fire to be investigated

Fire investigation officers will continue to work with partners to determine the cause of the fire.

It is expected to take some time to determine the reason for the blaze.

No injuries have been reported.

A serious fire

Simon Furlong, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service's Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: "This was a serious fire which began in one of Didcot B power station's cooling towers and spread to three other cooling towers.

"Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene and worked well to extinguish the fire. We work closely in partnership with the power station to ensure we have plans in place should an incident of this nature actually happen.

"The fire itself was extinguished quickly - there are no reports of injuries, which of course is pleasing.

"An investigation has begun in conjunction with other agencies regarding the cause of the fire - I expect that it will take some time to determine the reasons behind what actually happened."

Smoke plume

The station, which produces electricity, is operated by npower.

Twelve fire engines from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service with more than 75 personnel was onsite at the height of the incident, plus support from neighbouring services including an aerial appliance each from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A smoke plume affected the local neighbourhood areas and residents were instructed to stay indoors and to shut all windows.