Training to deal with 'battery storage fires'

Senior firefighters to be given help as more developments come forward

- Kerry Ashdown

SENIOR firefighters in Staffordshire are being trained on how to manage incidents involving battery energy storage systems as more planning applications for the developments come forward across the county.

Fire risks associated with the developments have sparked concerns for residents and councillors alike, in areas including South Staffordshire and Stafford Borough where planning applications are coming forward to increase capacity for renewable energy generation.

Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber gave details of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's response to the surge in battery energy storage system (BESS) proposals at this month's fire performance meeting. As well as advising developers on fire safety aspects of their proposals, the service is working to ensure its staff are able to respond to any future incidents involving the technology.

In Grindley, part of the Stowe by Chartley parish area, a new proposal for a solar panels and a battery energy storage system has been submitted to Stafford Borough Council just weeks after permission was granted at appeal for another development on the opposite side of Drointon Lane. Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams, who described battery energy storage systems as a “key community issue”, said: “I was at a very well-attended parish council meeting in Stowe by Chartley where they have some concerns about applications.