Incident near Ray Nixon Power Plant caused by car fire

(FOUNTAIN, Colo.) — The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) reported a new update on Tuesday, Sept. 10 about the incident that occurred near the Ray Nixon and Front Range Power Plants in early September.

On Thursday, Sept. 5, CSFD responded to Clear Spring Ranch south of the Ray Nixon Power Plant for a vehicle fire with a possible explosion. Multiple agencies including CSFD, Fountain Fire, Security Fire, and Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) responded to the call for service.

Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental and was caused by welding equipment, which likely caused a loud explosion-like sound.

The incident involved an outside contracted employee of Springs Utilities, who was seriously hurt and airlifted to a Denver hospital.

“We contract with this company to maintain our heavy equipment/large trucks that move material – such as ash and coal – at the site,” the statement Sprinsg Utilities sent on Sept. 5. read.

Springs Utilities also said that neither power plant was impacted or involved in the incident.

“While our focus is on the health of this individual, we can report to our community that the site is not at risk and that there were no other worker injuries or damage to our infrastructure.”

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