Fire at Priest Rapids Dam Causes Evacuation

Grant PUD crews were evacuated at Priest Rapids Dam Thursday after a fire broke out in the exciter cabinet of the #1 generating unit around 3:15 p.m.

The utility says 50-60 employees were in the area and safely able to get out.

Grant County Fire was called to the scene, but PUD workers were able to put the fire out using the company's CO2 fire extinguishing system.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and employees have been able to return to the building.

The exciter creates an energy field that the unit needs to begin generating electricity.