Fluid ignited at Cleco; no injuries

A fire broke out at the Cleco Teche Power Plant near Baldwin last night at approximately 7:30 p.m. after electrohydraulic control fluid leaked and came into contact with one of the turbines that helps the plant supply power to the region.
Some 80 firefighters from multiple agencies including the Baldwin Fire Department, the Patterson Fire Department, the Franklin Department, Centerville, Chitimacha, Dist. 11 and Grand Marais responded and quickly contained the blaze. No injuries were reported and no one was at the plant at the time of the fire.
According to Cleco Spokesperson Robbyn Cooper, the “flame-resistant” fluid came into contact with a turbine that, as it spins, generates heat. Witnesses on the scene said at the start of fire, heavy black smoke could be seen billowing out from the facility.
Cooper said the part of the plant that was affected by the fire had been shut down and at no time was power to the region disrupted.
“It doesn’t appear that the damage was extensive,” Cooper said. “We will get in there as soon as possible as it cools down.”
Cooper said she expected an inspection to begin sometime today.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., at the scene while the firefighting effort was still underway, Baldwin Fire Department Chief Gene St. Germain said, “the fire is under control.”