A fire at a hydroelectric facility near Morrilton Monday night is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.
According to Conway County Fire Chief Darren Bray, firefighters were dispatched shortly after 9, to what was initially reported as a possible camper fire. Multiple stations responded because of nearby campers, residents and visitors in the area.
As crews approached the scene, they observed flashes in the distance and determined the fire was coming from equipment at a hydroelectric facility along the Arkansas River.
“We identified that it was actually a hydroplant that was having the fire,” Bray said.
Firefighters established a safety perimeter and contacted Arkansas Electric Cooperative crews to address the electrical hazard. Crews deployed charged hose lines as a precaution while maintaining a safe distance from energized equipment.
Bray said firefighters worked to ensure the fire remained contained and did not spread to nearby properties or ignite a wildland fire.
Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation spokesperson Marine Glisovic later confirmed a lightning strike caused a fire at an AECC switching station adjacent to the hydroelectric plant at approximately 9:30 p.m.
“AECC crews, following safety protocols, de-energized the switching station and are working on repairs,” Glisovic said. “The fire did not cause any outages.”
Officials said the fire was contained to equipment at the facility. No injuries or power outages were reported.
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