Alert

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Event Notification Report for July 27, 2008

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
07/26/2008 - 07/27/2008

** EVENT NUMBERS **

44367

Power Reactor	Event Number: 44367
Facility: BROWNS FERRY Region: 2 State: AL Unit: [1] [2] [3] RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4,[3] GE-4 NRC Notified By: RICKY GIVENS HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE	Notification Date: 07/27/2008 Notification Time: 08:30 [ET] Event Date: 07/27/2008 Event Time: 03:40 [CDT] Last Update Date: 07/27/2008
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION	Person (Organization): MARK LESSER (R2)

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX CRIT	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
1	N	Y	100	Power Operation	100	Power Operation
2	N	Y	100	Power Operation	100	Power Operation
3	N	Y	100	Power Operation	100	Power Operation

Event Text

CABLE TRAY FIRE NEAR COOLING TOWER "C" SWITCHGEAR

"Security notified Limestone County Sheriffs dispatch at 0340 CDT that Browns Ferry had experienced a fire and arc-over event at the area of cooling tower switchgear 'C'.

"At about 0225 CDT a fault occurred in the cable tray between the 161 kV supply transformer and the 4 kV cooling tower 'C' switchgear resulting in clearing of the 161 kV line and a subsequent fire. The fire was extinguished at 0236 CDT by on-site responders. At 0340 CDT, Limestone County Sheriff department was contacted by site security and informed of the event and asked to increase patrols in the area of the county road adjacent to Browns Ferry. It was known that the event was likely due to operational issues and not sabotage but the final determination had not been made at that time. Limestone County Sheriff was contacted again at 0520 CDT and informed that the problem was operational and that their assistance is not required.

"There are no safety related plant equipment reportability issues resulting from this event. The reportability is solely due to notification of an outside agency.

"This condition is reportable within 4 hours according to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi). Any event or situation, related to the health and safety of the public or onsite personnel, or protection of the environment, for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made. Such an event may include an onsite fatality or inadvertent release of radioactive contaminated materials."

Licensee has notified NRC Resident Inspector.

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