Fire hits Bridgeport power plant

Bridgeport, Conn. (WTNH) - Bridgeport fire crews were called out to fight a fire at the power generating plant on Atlantic Street early Wednesday.

The fire at the Bridgeport Harbor Station plant was reported a little before 4:00 a.m. The fire was knocked down and firefighters were clearing the scene at 6:00 a.m., with one crew remaining to watch for any flare ups.

"There was no operation of the plant at the time," Bridgeport Fire Department Asst. Chief John Currivan said. "The fire is under investigation. Whether it's a malfunction of the equipment or whether it's some residue -- they said they had some workers working in there the day before."

The plant, which is owned by PSEG Power Connecticut, LLC , burns both fuel oil and coal. It was formerly owned by United illuminating, and was sold to PSEG in 2000.

 "We don't know if it was actually coal or electrical or any other type of combustible material that may have been left in the area," Karl Wintermeyer from PSEG said.

The plant's fire suppression system was activated and helped firefighters get the fire out quickly.

About 120 employees work in the plant. They will be working in other areas of the building.