Small blast takes Burnsville energy plant off line

BURNSVILLE, Minn. (AP) — Three Burnsville firefighters suffered minor injuries after a small explosion and fire in a smoldering coal bin at an Xcel Energy plant.

Xcel spokesman Tom Hoen tells KSTP-TV workers at the Black Dog plant reported some smoldering in the coal bin before the explosion early Tuesday.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports two firefighters were treated at the scene for minor burns while a third was taken to Regions Hospital with an ankle or knee injury.

The Burnsville plant has been shut down while the cause of the explosion is investigated. Xcel Energy spokeswoman Patti Nystuen says the Minneapolis-based utility will buy additional power and does not supply anticipate problems.

The coal and gas-fired plant is located on the Minnesota River.

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