The following is a news release from Xcel Energy:
Xcel Energy has awarded $1,000 grants to four rural fire departments in appreciation for help in battling recent wildfires and a large fire that destroyed a transformer at the company’s Tolk Generating Station near Muleshoe on Feb. 5.
Volunteer fire departments from Earth, Muleshoe, Lazbuddie and Sudan have responded to multiple fires near Tolk Station and nearby Plant X Generating Station in recent months, mostly wildfires caused by exceedingly dry conditions. All four fire departments also responded to the transformer fire in February, quickly bringing the fire under control and preventing damage to a power generator.
“Xcel Energy has a highly trained emergency response team at Tolk Station, but we also depend on volunteer fire departments to assist our efforts to protect lives and prevent damage to our property,” said David Low, general manager for Xcel Energy’s Texas and New Mexico power plants. “On Feb. 5, their fast and able response prevented injuries to our employees and saved some very valuable generating equipment that serves the entire region.”
Xcel Energy employees also treated the area firemen to a steak dinner at Tolk Station before presenting the grant checks.
(News release from Xcel Energy)
