Just before midday, crews from Fire Rescue Victoria were dispatched to the Yallourn Power Station in the Latrobe Valley. The emergency response came after a Triple Zero call reported burning embers in a coal bunker, attributed to a lightning strike.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a blaze measuring approximately 40 meters by 20 meters in height.
EnergyAustralia later released a statement confirming that a “severe storm” had resulted in a lightning strike at the Yallourn power station and mine.
“The area was promptly investigated, revealing embers and smouldering hot spots in the Raw Coal Bunker building,” an EnergyAustralia spokesperson stated.
“Although no significant damage has been found, Fire Rescue Victoria and our on-site emergency response team acted in accordance with emergency protocols,” the spokesperson continued.
They added that there were no injuries and that WorkSafe was immediately informed following the incident.
“There has been no impact to generation at Yallourn.”
Firefighters will remain on scene to ensure the safety of the area.
The coal-fired power station supplies 22 per cent of Victoria’s power.
The site, which has been running for more than 100 years, is due to close in 2028 as part of a $5 billion transformation into a “low-carbon emissions hub” by owners EnergyAustralia.
