Firefighters battle fire at Muscatine Power & Water plant

Muscatine firefighters worked fast to control a fire at the coal yard at the power generating plant this morning.

The Muscatine Fire Department responded to a fire in the coal yard at the Muscatine Power & Water Generating Plant, 1700 Dick Drake Way on Tuesday, October 8 at about 4:11 a.m. When they arrived, crews discovered the fire in and around some coal handling equipment within a building at the complex.

The fire was quickly brought under control, but crews remained on the scene for four hours to ensure that all hot spots were extinguished. They had to check every part of the equipment to make sure there was no leftover or hidden fire because the coal could smolder and flare up when disturbed.

Damage was limited because of the sprinkler system and none of the equipment was damaged enough to need extensive repairs. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and there is no estimate of damages.

Fifteen Muscatine Fire Department personnel responded, with support from Fruitland Fire Department and the Muscatine Police Department. One first responder received a minor injury that didn’t require hospitalization.

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