January 29, 2024
Wales

Wind turbine catches fire and explodes in Blaen Bowi

29 Jan 2024 | By Becky Hotchin | westerntelegraph.co.uk

Walkers enjoying a Sunday stroll were shocked to see a wind turbine burst into flames, disintegrate and explode.

The wind turbine, located at Blaen Bowi Wind Farm, at Moelfra Hill near Newcastle Emlyn caught fire shortly before midday.

Fire fighters from Newcastle Emlyn and Carmarthen were called to the fire at 11.46.

They arrived to find the turbine well-alight with pieces of debris falling to the ground nearby.

The wind turbine was well alight when fire crews arrived. (Image: MAWWFRS)

Fire crews monitored the situation but took no action. (Image: MAWWFRS)

The turbine caught fire shortly after midday on Sunday. (Image: Nick Blasdale)

Onlookers watched the top section burst into flames, drop off and explode. (Image: Nick Blasdale)

Nick and Alison Blasdale, who were on a countryside walk at the time watched the drama unfold.

“We watched the top section burst into flames then drop off whilst still burning then explode when it hit the ground,” said Alison.

Fire crews monitored the fallen pieces of turbine but took no action.

“At 11.46am on Sunday, January 28, the Newcastle Emlyn and Carmarthen crews were called to an incident in Blaen Bowi, Newcastle Emlyn,” said a fire service spokesperson.

“Crews responded to a wind turbine which was well alight on their arrival. Pieces of the wind turbine were falling nearby and crews monitored the condition of the debris. “No further action was taken by crews and the landowner continued to monitor for fire spread and falling debris. Crews left the scene at 1.03pm.”

According to Coflein, the online database for the National Monuments Record of Wales, Blaen Bowi wind farm comprises of three, 1.3 MW wind turbines on Moelfra Hill, 3 miles south of Newcastle Emlyn.

In 1995 a 25 year lease was entered into by the owner of Blaen Bowi farm and Windjen Power Ltd. The turbines became operational in July 2002.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2024/01/29/wind-turbine-catches-fire-and-explodes-in-blaen-bowi/