Apr 30 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Mike Corn The Hays Daily News, Kansas



Authorities still are trying to figure out what caused an explosion and resulting fire in the coal-handling section of Hays-based Sunflower Electric's Holcomb Station southwest of Garden City.

One of two coal belts was damaged in the fire, reported at about midnight Tuesday. Fire personnel from Garden City "contained" the fire by about 2 a.m, according to a statement issued by Sunflower. No one was injured.

The 362-megawatt coal-fired power plant already was offline when the fire started, part of an annual process that allows for inspections, repairs and upgrades to the plant.

Sunflower spokeswoman Cindy Hertel said it's unclear exactly what exploded. While the belt transfers coal, it had been taken out of service and cleaned to make upgrades to reduce dust accumulation.

 "That's all the information I have," Hertel said of the incident, noting power plant officials still are investigating.

Preliminary information suggests a smoldering conveyor belt likely was the source, rather than coal or coal dust.

Because the belt was out of service, it had been cleaned of both coal and coal dust and had been shut off when repair crews shut down for the day.

"The belt did start on fire," Hertel said. "They're still working to see what caused it."

Damage to the transfer belt is not expected to delay bringing the plant back online, as undamaged belt still will be able to provide the coal necessary to supply the boilers needed to power generators.

Hertel said the plant shut down had been scheduled for three weeks and should return to operation as planned.

No estimate was available on the amount of damage caused by either the explosion or fire, she said.

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