Shakopee biomass plant fire contained

Scott County officials say the effort to contain the fire following an explosion at a biomass energy plant could run through the weekend.

Authorities say the effort is precautionary, and that the area around the plant remains safe. But Scott County spokeswoman Lisa Kohner said Thursday night that fire containment and prevention efforts may continue into Friday and even longer, as a smoldering fire was still going in two silos.

The plant was rocked by a blast Thursday afternoon that rattled windows nearby. No one was hurt, but about seven workers were evacuated. Firefighters from as far away as Minnetonka were called to help fight the fire that resulted.

The company said two biomass fuel silos, a conveyor system and a truck dock were damaged by the explosion and fire.

The plant uses oat hills, sawdust, wood chips and other agricultural byproducts to generate electricity and also heat for the nearby Rahr Malting plant.