Xcel Energy experiences fire at Fort St. Vrain

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1/16/2009

DENVER – Xcel Energy has experienced a fire tonight at a transformer being tested for a new unit under construction at the Fort St. Vrain Generating Station near Platteville, Colo. There were no injuries and the fire has not affected the company’s generation capabilities in the state.

Xcel Energy has been working with local fire departments near the power plant to contain a fire, which broke out at approximately 6 p.m. MST. The fire was extinguished at 7:30 p.m. MST; fire suppression equipment was in place and was operating to contain the blaze.

The transformer is part of a new generating unit being installed at the plant. Another new unit was shut down a precautionary measure. The unit generates 130 megawatts. The transformer contains approximately 13,000 gallons of mineral insulating oil. Xcel Energy crews have been successful in containing the oil.

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News Source : Xcel Energy experiences fire at Fort St. Vrain