A Feb. 12 powerhouse fire at 1,038-MW Wanapum Dam forced shutdown of two of the plant’s 10 turbine-generators due to water damage from firefighting efforts at the plant on the Columbia River in Washington.
Grant County Public Utility District said Units 9 and 10, those closest to the fire, were shut down to dry out, then were returned to service over the next week.
The fire itself involved packing crates holding spare sets of generator coils. The cause of the fire was under investigation; a damage estimate was unavailable.
PUD spokesman Gary Garnant said generating equipment was not damaged. The blaze did damage the powerhouse roof and sent smoke through the plant, which is part of 1,893-MW Priest Rapids project (No. 2114). Two operators escaped without injury.
