Investigators are on the scene at the Martin Drake Power Plant in downtown Colorado Springs after a four-alarm fire broke out this morning at the facility. The fire department reports two Utilities workers suffered minor injuries, one of whom was transferred to the hospital. There are no reported injuries to firefighters.
At a press conference this afternoon, Fire Chief Chris Riley said only one of the plant evacuees suffered a minor injury.
----
Update: 1:10 PM: The voluntary evacuation notice for the 3-block radius around the Drake Power Plant has been lifted.
Update: 11:35 AM: Pikes Peak Red Cross is opening an evacuation center at Red Cross, 1040 S. 8th Street, on the 2nd Floor. Closed as of 2:40 PM.
Update 11:07 AM: Colorado Springs Utilities reports power has been restored to most customers, after more than 22,000 had been without. Voluntary evacuations remain in place for a 3-block radius around the plant.
Update 11:04 AM: Colorado Springs Fire Department continues working the blaze; Utilities is venting some natural gas lines in the area, so the smell of gas may be present. Voluntary evacuation remains in place for a 3-block radius around the plant.
Update 10:50 AM: There is a voluntary evacuation notice for a three block radius around the Drake Power Plant due to chemicals present. Officials are asking folks who choose to evacuate to avoid using Cimarron as an exit route.
Direct message from the Police Department:
Update: 10:45AM: A 3 block voluntary evacuation notice has been sent out to surrounding locations: This is the Colorado Springs Police Department with an emergency message. The fire department is battling a structure fire at the Martin Drake Power Plant near 700 Conejos St. Fire Command has issued a voluntary evacuation request for a 3 block radius of the plant due to chemicals present. Please leave the area avoiding the use of Cimarron Street.
Original posting:
The Colorado Springs Fire Department is on scene at Martin Drake Power Plant in downtown Colorado Springs. A three-alarm fire broke out this morning at the plant, and CSFD says all employees are out of the facility. Smoke may be visible in the area.
The fire is causing some power outages, and officials remind drivers to treat nonfunctional stoplights as four-way stops.
#CSFD crews reporting all employees are out of the Martin Drake Power Plant facility pic.twitter.com/9zahxBj6WT
— CSFD PIO (@CSFDPIO) May 5, 2014
#CSFD crews continue to work on knocking down the fire at the Martin Drake Power Plant pic.twitter.com/xW1pat032u
— CSFD PIO (@CSFDPIO) May 5, 2014
