Date: July 13, 2018
Location: East China, Michigan (USA)
Address: 4877 Michigan 29, 48054
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Coal Dust
Industry: Power (Natural Resources)
Equipment: Conveyor Belt
Company: St. Clair Power Plant
Previous Incidents:
On August 15, 2016, a major fire ripped through the power plant. The Times-Herald reported that it started on the third floor and extended to the roof of the nine-story building. According to the Detroit Free Press, a local resident said that she heard a loud noise shortly before she noticed the smoke.
“They blow the stacks occasionally, but this was unusually loud,” she said.
Forty-five federal, state and local agencies from St. Clair, Sanilac, Macomb and Lapeer counties as well as Canada responded to the fire. They arrived at 6:30 p.m. but weren’t able to gain access to the interior of the plant until about 11:00 p.m. They then worked through the night into the following morning. Roads in the area were closed and traffic was detoured away from the plant.
A DTE representative said 50 employees were in the plant at the time the fire broke out but were evacuated safely. The company later stated that the incident was caused by a generation unit catching fire.
There were no injuries but the plant was temporarily closed for repairs.
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, the St. Clair Power Plant is owned by Detroit Edison, a subsidiary of DTE Energy. Its first four units were built in 1953–1954 and since then, three more generating units have been added. The St. Clair Power Plant is powered by both coal and oil and is Detroit Edison’s second-largest power producer, generating 1982 megawatts in total. It also has a large impact on the local economy, employing about 300 workers. DTE has confirmed plans to close the plant sometime between 2020 and 2023
Description of Coal Dust Fire:
On July 13, 2018, the Times-Herald reported a smouldering fire at a power plant in East China, Michigan. A DTE spokeswoman confirmed that it was located underneath a conveyor belt that carries coal into the plant and created a lot of smoke but no injuries or damage. Firefighters from St. Clair responded soon after the call came in around 3:00 p.m. and remained on site until the scene was cleared.
Sources:
Times-Herald
Times-Herald
Detroit Free Press
