Crews Douse Coal Hopper Fire at Michigan Power Plant

Firefighters responded to a fire in a coal hopper at the Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) Erickson power plant in Delta Township, MI on July 12, several local news organizations reported. Crews remained on scene for several hours to put out the flames. 

The blaze was reported to emergency personnel at about 11 p.m. After arriving at the coal-fired power plant on S. Canal Road, firefighters isolated the flames to the coal hopper and contained the fire within two hours, a Delta Township Fire Department official told Fox News affiliate WSYM. 

Fire officials speculated that the fire may have started when coal combusted. 

“Coal has a tendency to be able to spontaneously combust. Because of what it is, especially with any kind of moisture, and so that’s very possible. But right now there is no cause in origin that’s been determined yet,” Delta Township Fire Department Fire Inspector Mike Roberts said in coverage by television news station WILX. 

The company closed the plant for several days after the incident. No injuries were logged during the incident. An investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing. 

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