The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that smoke from a fire at the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) did not affect nuclear safety. The incident, which occurred in the administrative building of the plant on Tuesday, was reported by IAEA employees stationed at the facility. The agency stated that its personnel observed the smoke but found no impact on the plant’s operations or safety parameters.
Following the incident, the IAEA conducted an assessment of the situation, emphasizing that the plant’s safety systems remained intact. The fire, initially reported near the cooling towers, was contained without compromising the facility’s structural integrity or operational capabilities. This reassurance comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, where the Zaporizhia NPP has been a focal point of concerns regarding nuclear safety amid conflict.
The IAEA’s statement underscores the agency’s role in monitoring nuclear facilities in conflict zones. The agency’s personnel at the plant have been maintaining a presence since the facility came under temporary occupation, providing continuous oversight. This latest incident highlights the challenges of ensuring safety in such environments, with the IAEA reaffirming that no immediate risks to nuclear safety were identified.