A transformer fire Saturday triggered the automatic shutdown of Unit 3 at the Indian Point nuclear power plant. A spokesman for plant owner Entergy says the fire was put out by both a sprinkler system and on-site personnel.
The fire was at one of two main electrical transformers. That triggered an “Unusual Event" -- the lowest of four levels of emergency classification used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. NRC Spokesman Neil Sheehan says the unusual event was declared at 5:50 p.m. Saturday and the fire was reported to have been extinguished as of 6:15 p.m. The transformers are used to step up power produced by the plant before it is transmitted to the grid. Entergy Spokesman Jerry Nappi says the cause of the fire is under investigation and there was no release of radiation. He says there were no injuries or evacuations and Indian Point 2 continues to operate at full power.
