A TEESSIDE biomass site has closed as a precaution after firefighters were called in the early hours of Monday morning. 

The fire service was called to the MGT site at Teesport due to smouldering fuel in one of the silos. 

Officials at the site confirmed Nitrogen is being injected into the silo and operators will shortly begin removing biomass.

There are no injuries despite the incident and Cleveland Fire Brigade remain at the scene. 

A spokesman for MGT said: "MGT's site procedures are being followed which include the fire brigade being alerted. MGT is well prepared for such an event. 

"Workers involved with commissioning the plant have been asked not to come to site as a precaution until the incident is resolved.”

A statement from PD Ports, the site operator, said: "Whilst the earlier reported incident at MGT is still ongoing, the Port remains operational.

"Operations have been temporarily suspended in Warehouse A however all other aspects are unaffected and are running as normal.

"The main access gate via No1 Quay is open to all inbound and outbound traffic needing to access the Teesport Estate."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "We were called at 3.02am this morning to an incident at Tees Rep Biomass Power Station, Tees Dock Road in Grangetown.

"One fire engine is in attendance and a multi-agency group has been conveyed to monitor the situation and deal with the incident."

A spokesman for Cleveland Police was notified of the incident by the fire brigade .

A force spokesman said: "Our control room has received a number of calls concerning the smell from the fire in neighbouring areas.

"The smoke is not believed to be of any concern and as a precaution residents are asked to keep windows and doors shut."

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