Although the exact causes are being disputed, a major fire has destroyed one of the fuel deposits at the Smith-Enron power plant in Puerto Plata. The electrical supplier did not go off-line, but did, however, reduce its output by 75 megawatts. Some reports say that the fire was the result of self-combustion, caused by low fuel levels and high heat. The fire was reported to have started on Tuesday at 6 am and have been put out by 1 am on Wednesday.
\nReports of welders working dangerously nearby have not yet been confirmed.
\nFortunately, the fire did not touch the main fuel storage tanks and the facility has enough fuel to remain on-line for the immediate future. People were evacuated from the plant, while areas of Puerto Plata were covered by a dense cloud of black, oily smoke. Firefighting units from as far away as Santiago and Mao assisted in the suppression of the blaze that continued well into the night.
\nAir force planes and tankers from Santo Domingo and Santiago brought the special foam needed to control the fire. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Although the exact causes are being disputed, a major fire has destroyed one of the fuel deposits at the Smith-Enron power plant in Puerto Plata. The electrical supplier did not go off-line, but did, however, reduce its output by 75 megawatts. Some reports say that the fire was the result of self-combustion, caused by low … <\/p>\n