Earlier today black smoke could be seen coming from the McGuire Nuclear Power Station, but authorities are warning the public not to panic and that everything is under control.
According to the Huntersville Fire Department, the smoke is coming from a fire in the transformer switchyard at the power plant.
They have been sending out regular updates about the situation via Twitter;
We are on scene of a transformer fire at the McGuire Nuclear Plant. We responded quickly & fire is confined to a transformer bldg on site. There are no evacuations & no need to be concerned. Avoid the area for now due to increased traffic flow related to this Incident.
— Huntersville Fire (@Huntersville_FD) November 8, 2017
*McGuire Transformer Fire Update* Fire is still confined to the site of origin. We’re currently assisting Duke & flowing foam on scene. Both of our Tankers as well as a Tanker from the East Lincoln FD are on scene assisting. No evacuation required & all surrounding areas are safe https://t.co/aXTR4xjZZO
— Huntersville Fire (@Huntersville_FD) November 8, 2017
*McGuire Transformer Fire Update 2* Fire has been extinguished. Crews continue to flow foam & water to cool transformer. We expect to remain on scene for an extended period of time. No evacuation required & all surrounding areas remain safe.
— Huntersville Fire (@Huntersville_FD) November 8, 2017
*McGuire Transformer Fire Update 3* Crews continue to flow foam & cool transformer. Fire occurred across the street from the actual plant; in a switchyard. Both units at the plant continue to operate safely. No evacuation required & all surrounding areas remain safe & unaffected.
— Huntersville Fire (@Huntersville_FD) November 8, 2017
Authorities are urging residents around Lake Norman not to panic, and that the nuclear power plant itself is functioning properly.
WTF is going on at the nuclear power plant?! #lkn pic.twitter.com/y4oMNxPFl9
— Kevin Thoman (@kevthoman) November 8, 2017
Did you see the smoke today?