UPDATE
An underground fire at a Limestone County power plant that officials warned could threaten the stability of the state's electric grid is out, a county judge told 25 News.
The grid is no longer under threat, the official said.
ORIGINAL STORY
Multiple fire departments are working to extinguish an underground fire at a Limestone County power plant that officials say could threaten the stability of the state's electric grid.
"They're just having a tough time trying to put it out," Limestone County Judge Richard Duncan said about efforts to put out the fire that started around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Duncan told 25 News that a conveyor belt linking an abandoned coal mine to a power plant outside Jewett is on fire.
The judge said the plant, which is owned by NRG, is a major supplier of electricity to markets in Houston and Dallas.
The Jewett mine spans over 35,000 acres and is one of the largest in Texas, but it was closed after a decision by NRG to burn cleaner coal in 2016.
The fire is located at the 3900 Block of FM 39 in Jewett, around 65 miles from Waco.
REGIONAL HAZMAT RESPONSE - 3900 Block of FM 39 in Jewett, TX. @WacoTXFire Hazmat Team enroute to assist with a fire at a coal facility.
— Waco Fire Department (@WacoTXFire) July 20, 2022
