SANDWICH – Firefighters were called to the Canal Electrical plant on Freezer Road shortly after 4:30 PM for a reported fire. Officials reported smoke showing on arrival. All plant employees were evacuated to a safe location. The fire was reported out about 5:15 PM.
Statement from Sandwich Fire: On September 23, 2019, the Sandwich Fire Department received a 911 call for a small fire in the turbine area of Canal Electric Unit #3. The fire was initially being contained by the fire suppression system until arrival of Sandwich Fire Department personnel. The fire triggered a pre-response plan that involves Sandwich Fire Department and Canal Plant Engineers working together to extinguish the fire and protect personnel and adjacent spaces. On arrival SFD personnel found smoke showing with high heat temperatures in the turbine room area. SFD personnel entered the space to extinguish the remaining fire and supply water to the suppression system.
The unit was ventilated thoroughly on all 4 floors and air quality readings monitored for fire and plant personnel were below hazardous levels. A working fire assignment was requested by Chief Burke per the pre-response plan bringing assistance from Bourne and Mashpee Fire Departments to the scene as well as the DCR units. The fire was fully extinguished with 15 minutes and crews remained on scene for an hour ventilating the structure checking for fire extension.
Joint Base Cape Cod, Cotuit and West Barnstable Fire Departments provided station coverage during the incident. There were no injuries reported, all personnel were accounted for and damage was minimal within the unit. The scene was turned back over to Canal Electric personnel for cleanup and getting the unit back in-service. A total of 25 firefighters assisted on scene. The cause is being investigated by the Sandwich Fire Department with an equipment issue most likely the cause.
Photos by Sandwich Fire/CWN
