~ Summary ~
In July 2020, a fire at Tilbury Docks Grain Store required a 13-month thermal imaging study by Thermography Services (UK) Ltd and Drone Media Imaging. Using drone-based and ground-level thermography, we monitored residual heat, supported fire suppression efforts, and provided critical data for insurance assessments. Our expertise in Level 3 Certified Thermography helped prevent reignition, validate the liquid nitrogen extinguishing method, and ensure a safe, controlled resolution of the incident through detailed thermal analysis and long-term monitoring.
Introduction
In July 2020, a devastating explosion and fire broke out in a grain storage facility at Tilbury Docks, Essex. The fire, fuelled by stored grain and biomass, created a complex challenge due to its deep-seated heat pockets that continued to smoulder within the grain silos for months. Traditional firefighting methods were insufficient to fully suppress the fire, requiring a long-term monitoring operation and ongoing cooling with the introduction of liquid nitrogen. Eventually the strategy was to dismantle the structure section by section, while thermically monitoring the ongoing fire.
Our sister company Drone Media Imaging, was commissioned to conduct a 13-month thermal imaging study to track the fire’s progression, assess temperature changes, and support fire management efforts.


The Objective
The primary objective of this project was to provide real-time thermal data to assist emergency responders, insurance investigators, and site operators in monitoring residual heat and potential reignition risks within the grain store. Conventional methods of fire assessment, such as manual inspections or visual assessments, were inadequate due to limited accessibility and the potential hazards posed by unstable structures and extreme heat.
By using advanced thermal imaging technology, including both drone-mounted and ground-based thermal cameras, we provided:
Goals
Our project goals were designed to enhance safety, improve data accuracy, and support fire suppression efforts effectively:
- Non-Invasive Fire Monitoring: Provide remote, real-time thermal imaging assessments to track fire progression while ensuring firefighter safety.
- Long-Term Heat Analysis: Conduct systematic thermal inspections over 13 months to evaluate heat dissipation and detect potential flare-ups.
- Support Fire Extinguishing Efforts: Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the innovative liquid nitrogen extinguishing method deployed at the site.
- Insurance & Risk Assessment: Supply insurers and site owners with verifiable thermal imaging reports to support insurance claims and structural damage assessments.
- Aerial and Ground-Level Surveys: Utilise drone-based thermography for an overhead perspective and static ground-based cameras for close-up monitoring.
Results Over the Year of Thermal Imaging Study
1. Immediate Fire Response & Initial Thermal Mapping
- Within days of deployment, our thermal imaging surveys identified intense heat zones beneath the surface of the grain pile, which were not visible through standard visual assessments.
- Drone flights over the site enabled firefighters to pinpoint the hottest areas, allowing for more targeted firefighting efforts.
2. Liquid Nitrogen Fire Suppression Assessment
- A novel liquid nitrogen fire extinguishing method was trialled at the site, aimed at rapidly cooling hotspots without adding moisture that could worsen fermentation risks.
- Our thermal data validated its effectiveness by showing a rapid drop in temperature in areas treated with nitrogen compared to those extinguished with traditional water methods.
3. Monthly Thermal Progress Reports & Risk Mitigation
- Over the 13-month period, we conducted regular inspections to document the slow reduction of residual heat within the grain stockpile.
- Our thermal reports provided actionable data to determine which sections required further cooling interventions.
- By monitoring temperature trends, we helped prevent reignition, ensuring the fire was fully extinguished before site restoration could begin.
4. Supporting Insurance and Claims Investigations
- Insurance assessors relied on our thermal imaging evidence to verify structural damage claims and confirm the effectiveness of fire suppression strategies.
- Our high-resolution infrared reports became essential documentation in risk assessment reports for future fire prevention planning.
The Grain Store Fire at Tilbury Docks was a challenging, long-term fire event requiring advanced monitoring techniques. Our thermal imaging services, combined with drone-based aerial surveys, provided critical insights that enhanced firefighting strategies, mitigated risks, and supported insurance assessments. By leveraging industry-leading thermography technology, we ensured accurate fire monitoring, efficient extinguishment, and long-term safety compliance.