Preparations for decommissioning the Windscale piles

The two Windscale piles, whose distinctive chimneys have dominated the skyline of the Sellafield Site since their completion in 1950, were built to produce military material for Britain's nuclear deterrent. This they did successfully until October 1957 when Pile No 1 caught fire during a routine release of the energy which builds up in graphite moderators operated at low temperatures. The fire was put out and the decision taken to cease operations with both of the Piles. Since that date they have been taken to an effective stage 1 decommissioning condition and maintained in a safe state. (Author)