Lightning Ignites Liquid Oxygen Tank – Local Residents Evacuated

An incident at Douglas Dam on Wednesday evening, August 20, 2014, has been contributed to a lightening strike that impacted liquid oxygen being piped into the waters of Douglas Lake. TVA Representative Jim Hopson stated Thursday that the incident happened around 7:45 pm, igniting a tank holding liquid oxygen and piping that was carrying oxygen downhill. First Responders quickly closed off the valve, diminishing the fire rapidly, leaving only the piping involved. Residents and campground visitors were evacuated in a one mile radius of the fire, as crews worked to control and contain the damage.

Hopson stated that crews efficiently and quickly extinguished the flames by around 10:50 pm, allowing residents and campers to return home. He said that TVA is in the process of assessing and repairing the damage to the large liquid oxygen tank and piping. In the meantime, Douglas Dam will be spilling a small amount of water to assist in water oxygenation, which is necessary for the survival of fish habitats. Hopson said that the spilling is not as effective as liquid oxygen, though short term there should be no negative impact to the fish. He expressed gratitude to the local First Responders who worked together with professional expediency to control the situation.