TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A fire at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant on Thursday was quickly extinguished, and officials said there was no risk of radiation release. 

At approximately 11 a.m., black smoke was seen rising from the plant in Pingtung, sending firefighters to the scene, per CNA. The Pingtung County Fire Bureau said the fire broke out at the two cooling water towers behind an abandoned air compressor plant.

Taipower said it received a report at 11:23 a.m. about the fire at the air compressor plant’s cooling water tower, which is made of plastic and three meters in diameter and height. Taipower emphasized that the fire did not affect power generation or reactor core safety. 

The company said the fire was extinguished by 11:35 a.m. 

Taipower pointed out that the air compressor plant is about 50 meters from Unit 2, and the fire would not affect the unit's safety. It said there are no concerns about radiation leakage, and the public can remain calm.

The Nuclear Safety Commission said on-site personnel arrived to assess the situation. It confirmed that the incident did not impact the unit, and there was no abnormal change in the radiation levels.

The NSC has requested Taipower to investigate the cause of the fire and take preventive measures. The NSC said it would monitor Taipower's handling of the situation.

Only Unit 2 at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant is in operation. It is scheduled to shut down on May 17 and enter the decommissioning phase. 

There are plans to transform the site into a 55-hectare solar power facility.