By Jon Camp
Officials at Harris Nuclear Power Plant declared an alert Saturday at 10:16 a.m. after smoke was detected in plant electrical equipment.
Plant operators safely suspended operations as on-site fire crew responded. No visible flames were detected.
Off-site firefighters responded as backup but were then released.
An inspection of the affected plant equipment revealed no impact to the safe operation of the plant.
Officials exited the alert at 3:51 p.m. and said the plant is currently offline and in stable condition.
“It is important to know that there is no risk to public health or safety, nor is any expected,” said Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry, in a released statement. “The swift and coordinated response among all agencies involved demonstrates that North Carolina has a seasoned emergency management team that stands ready to protect the public.”
There were no radioactive materials released as a result of the event.
Officials said the issue originated in a transformer, and the plant will return to full power once the equipment is restored.
Crews have started an investigation as to what caused the smoke.
Duke Energy Progress said the public is not in danger, but folks still have fears.
See the full story and the video (which is a different version of the story)
