Firefighters contain blazing transformer at Oconee Nuclear Station

A fire was reported at Oconee Nuclear Station Sunday afternoon, a situation which required the assistance of Keowee Fire Department before being brought under control with assurances there would be no release from the facility or threat to the public.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., members of the fire department arrived on site and found a large transformer outside of a building involved in a fire, said Oconee County Emergency Services fire chief Charlie King. He said about 40 firefighters from the onsite brigade, in addition to members of fire departments in Oconee and Pickens counties, brought the fire under control in 30 minutes.

No damage was reported to the building or the containment area, said King, stressing there’s no potential for release from the facility. King added there were no evacuations or traffic detours, asking for the public to stay away from the area as emergency personnel and Duke Energy staff continue to work to ensure the transformer remains cool and that there is no further extension.

There were no injuries sustained during the fire, said King, adding the runoff from the firefighting water mixed with foam and transformer oil is being contained on site.

The fire was declared an unusual event, the lowest of four nuclear emergency classifications and crews will remain on site throughout the evening assisting plant crews as needed, said King.

This story was originally published March 6, 2016 at 5:49 PM.