Today at 4:11 a.m., the Muscatine Fire Department was alerted to a fire in the coal yard at the Muscatine Power & Water Generating Plant, 1700 Dick Drake Way. Upon arrival, crews found the fire in and around some coal handling equipment within a building at the complex.
The main body of the fire was quickly brought under control but crews remained on scene for the next four hours in order to ensure that all hot spots were extinguished. Due to the ability of coal to smolder and to flare up when disturbed, crews had to check every part of the equipment involved to make sure that there was no left over or hidden fire.
Damage was limited due to the activation of the sprinkler system, and none of the equipment was damaged to the point of needing extensive repairs. No damage estimate has been established as the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fifteen Muscatine Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and were supported by Fruitland Fire Department and the Muscatine Police Department. One first responder received a minor injury that did not require transport.
About the Muscatine Fire Department: The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services, rescues (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine, and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County with a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles while also providing HAZMAT for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties. MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to over 5,700 calls in 2023. The Muscatine Fire Department began as a volunteer fire company on January 7, 1875 and was established as a full-time department in January 1916.