Michigan Power Plant Updates – Massive Fire Forces Plant to Shut Down
DTE Energy Co. St Clair Power Plant will remain closed and access to the facility is limited; residents are assured there will be no power interruptions
A power plant located northeast of Detroit was forced to shut down after a massive fire. DTE Energy Co. St. Clair Power Plant located at East China Township in Michigan has remained closed after a large fire occurred, sending large smoke in the air visible for miles.
The Detroit-based company said that as of 5 p.m., access to the plant remained limited. Fire-fighting teams are on the scene assessing the situation. A utility also said that there were no announcements yet when the plant will open.
No injuries were reported
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Fire authorities said that the fire started in the plant's coal-powered generating unit. Around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, thick smoke can be seen in the air and was seen for miles according to residents of surrounding areas. The blaze was finally extinguished on Friday.
There were no casualties or injuries. Teams from the DTE responded quickly and used emergency procedures to shut down the generating units of the power plant. The team issued a statement last Friday to news outlets.
Help coming across the county
Aside from the DTE team, fire fighters from across St. Clair county also responded to the blaze. These fire fighters came from as far as 40 miles northeast of Detroit. Black and gray smoke was seen as far as St. Clair River.
Employees were also quickly evacuated from the power plant. Commuters and vehicles passing near the area were also told to make a detour.
A part of ensuring that the fire was 100 percent controlled, crew members form the St. Clair Fire Department went inside the power plant building Friday night to check for hot spots that remained inside the plant. Hot spots should be checked to prevent another blaze from igniting once more.
No effects on electrical service for residents
The utility reassured customers that there won't be interruptions with their electrical service. Reports also said that air quality readings were normal outside the power plant.
Loud noise before the smoke
A resident near the power plant said that this was the first time that she heard such noise from the plant. She said that the power plant blows their stacks regularly, but this was the first time she has ever heard such a loud noise from the plant. After the noise, the resident saw smoke coming out from the facility.
DTE has been in service for more than 60 years. The coal-powered plant was one of their three facilities that are scheduled to shut down in the following seven years. Units located in East China Township, Detroit, River Rouge and Trenton will retire between 2020 to 2023.
