Transformer explodes at power plant in Wash. state

CHEHALIS, Wash. – A blast and fire at a natural-gas fired power plant in Chehalis (shuh-HAY'-lihs), Wash., were caused by a transformer explosion.

PacifiCorp spokeswoman Jan Mitchell in Portland says the damage is limited to a large transformer on the edge of the property. The fire did not involve the plant itself or natural gas.

Mitchell says no one was injured. The plant about 90 miles south of Seattle was not operating at the time of the explosion at 4:15 a.m. Thursday.

KITI reported that flames were visible from nearby Interstate 5 as firefighters from four departments responded.

The 520-megawatt plant opened in 2003 and was bought by PacifiCorp in 2008. It's capable of generating enough electricity for 390,000 homes.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

CHEHALIS, Wash. (AP) — Firefighters have responded to an explosion and fire at a natural gas-fueled power plant in Washington state. There are no reports of injuries.

Firefighter Jay Birley says the call came in about 4:30 a.m. Thursday at the plant in Chehalis, about 90 miles south of Seattle.

KITI reports flames from the site on Port of Chehalis property are visible from nearby Interstate 5. Firefighters from four districts are responding.

The 520-megawatt plant opened in 2003 and is owned by PacifiCorp of Portland, Ore.

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With information from: KITI-AM, http://www.live95.com/