Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Around 100 firefighters are battling a blaze at a power station.
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said firefighters were called to Tilbury Power Station at about 7.46am, with 15 fire engines and three aerial ladder platforms, used to reach higher places, sent to the scene.
A spokesman, who described the blaze as "severe", said the officer in charge had reported that the fire is in a wood pellet hopper containing 2,100 tonnes of machinery.
Opened in 1969, Tilbury previously operated as a coal-fired power station but has been converted to generate power from 100% sustainable biomass until its scheduled closure at the end of 2015.
Biomass plants burn wood pellets, generally made from compacted sawdust or other wastes from sawmilling and other manufactured wood products.
A spokesman for RWE npower, which owns the power station, said: "A fire broke out at 7.45am this morning in a fuel storage area at Tilbury power station.
"The health and safety of our employees is our absolute priority and all have been accounted for.
"The fire brigade and police are currently on site. We will issue more details when they become available."
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments