MACON, Ga. — Georgia Power has suspended a Tuesday afternoon alert, which was issued after a transformer caught fire, according to a press release from Georgia Power.
An alert, which is the second least serious designation for emergencies, indicated an event that "could reduce the plant's level of safety."
Plant Voglte issued the alert at Units 1&2 at 12 p.m., but they did not provide any information about what happened until 3:30 p.m. The plant is located near the South Carolina border in Burke County. That is just outside of Augusta.
In an update, they say that a transformer fire had erupted, but they had since been able to put the fire out. They say the conditions "DID NOT threaten public safety."
In the original release, Georgia Power says they are coordinating with county and state officials to prepare for any necessary response, but they say the public does not need to take any action unless state and local officials issue any further directions.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission had also been notified of the declaration.
"Our top priority is the safety and health of the public and our employees,” said Plant Vogtle 1&2 Site Vice President John Weissinger. “We will provide more details as soon as they are available, and we will continue to do so until this situation is safely resolved.”
They say residents should pay attention to radio and television news for the latest updates. They refer to the plant Vogtle's emergency response plan here.
The plant just started commercial operation on their unit 4 nuclear reactor near the end of May. The alert was issued for Vogtle 1 and 2.