Fire Causes APS Plant Evacuation

Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 12:00 AM

The fire was located in the crystallizer brine concentrator tower, located on the North side of the plant, where decommissioning of Units 1 – 3 is being conducted. Fire fighters were able to extinguish the tower fire shortly after 1 p.m., with no impact on Units 4 and 5. Employees of the plant were evacuated without incident. No injuries were reported to employees or responders and all parties are accounted for. Four Corners Power Plant has set up water stations to assist fire fighters as they continue “Mop Up” procedures.

From the San Juan County Office of Emergency Management:

San Juan County Volunteer Fire Fighters responded to reports of a tower fire at Four Corners Power Plant at approximately 10:54am.

San Juan County Fire Command Staff, Volunteer Fire Fighters, Farmington Fire, APS Fire Brigade, San Juan County Emergency Management, San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, and NM State Police Officers were dispatched to contain the fire.

Employees of the plant were evacuated without incident. No injuries were reported to employees or responders and all parties are accounted for. Four Corners Power Plant has set up water stations to assist fire fighters as they continue “Mop Up” procedures.

The toxicity risk posed by titanium dioxide is low; accordingly, Four Corners Power Plant staff will be looking at all possible environmental effects. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

More from Local News

Two Bicyclists Killed on N36 in alleged DWI Crash

The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todecheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.
One Dead After House Fire Saturday Afternoon

Second occupant in critical condition; Identity of victims not yet released.
First Native American President Named at Fort Lewis College

As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.
Arrest Made after Durango Rec Center Damaged by Gunfire

The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
Police Arrest Woman for Husband's Fatal Stabbing 5 years ago

After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.
Update: Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.