On-site brigade extinguishes fire at nuclear plant

Fire broke out Wednesday in a non-emergency, non-safeguard diesel generator at Prairie Island nuclear plant.

The fire started at 1:17 p.m. during routine testing. The plant’s on-site fire brigade responded and extinguished the fire at 1:37 p.m. before the Red Wing Fire Department arrived, according to Xcel Energy, which owns and operates the plant.

At 2:55 p.m., the fire reflashed and again was extinguished. Red Wing firefighters were on the scene.

There were no injuries, Xcel Energy reported. The fire did not affect Unit 1 or Unit 2 and in no way would have hampered the safe shutdown of operations had that been necessary, officials said.

An investigation to determine the source of the fire is under way. Plant personnel notified state, local and tribal government and emergency services agencies, as well as Nuclear Regulatory Commission personnel.

Tags: prairie island nuclear plant, red wing, prairie island, nuclear power, news, fire