Planck Vision Systems: Fire Breaks Out at BESS Project in Essex, Loss Estimated at $300,000

---

On February 19, 2025, a fire broke out at a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in East Tilbury, Essex. The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service swiftly responded to the fire, working tirelessly to control the situation. Thanks to a carefully coordinated response and close monitoring, the fire was contained within 24 hours, with no further risk to the wider community. The estimated damage is $300,000, and the site was handed back to the management on February 20, 2025.

Firefighters were able to scale back their response after ensuring the safety of the site and surrounding areas. Area Manager Dan Partridge commented, “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.” He expressed gratitude to all those involved in resolving the situation safely.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities will be working with the site owners and equipment suppliers once it is safe to do so. This event highlights the importance of having early fire detection systems in place.

In incidents like this, where the risk of fire can be high, early detection plays a key role in preventing further damage. Traditional fire detection systems often detect fires only after smoke and flames become visible. However, advanced systems such as the Planck Vision TNC thermal imaging cameras can detect abnormal heat conditions before a fire erupts, allowing for timely intervention.

Planck Vision TNC thermal imaging cameras are far superior to traditional systems because they detect temperature anomalies that could indicate the early stages of a fire. By surveilling areas before a fire fully ignites, these cameras help prevent the destruction of goods and the loss of life, as seen in the Essex BESS project incident.

---