Conveyor belt catches fire during decommissioning process at Taconite Harbor, fire contained

A conveyor belt caught fire while Minnesota Power crews were dismantling equipment at the decommissioned Taconite Harbor power plant on Tuesday, August 6. 

“Some residual oil on a piece of equipment ignited and started the conveyor belt on fire,” said Amy Rutledge, Minnesota Power’s director of communications.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the conveyor belt fire at approximately 11:16 a.m. and arrived on the scene alongside fire department crews shortly thereafter.

Fire department crews were able to contain the fire at approximately 1:07 p.m. Rutledge said the “fire was contained outside the building.” No injuries or additional damage are reported.

“We appreciate the quick response from area firefighters,” Rutledge said.

The Taconite Harbor coal-fired power plant on the west end of Cook County closed in 2016. In 2023, work began to dismantle equipment as part of the decommissioning process. 

Kalli Hawkins August 6, 2024