Fire at Woodsdale Duke Energy plant possibly started by weather

An early morning fire that broke out at Woodsdale Duke Energy Generating Station could have possibly started because of a lightning strike, according to Madison Twp. fire officials.

Fire Chief Kent Hall said the official fire cause is unknown at this time, but noted that there were storms in the area with several lightning strikes, which could be a possible cause.

The department is working with the EMA, which can confirm lightning strikes in certain locations.

Crews were dispatched at 3:35 a.m. and found a working fire in a large generator onsite. Hall said the department is not sure how long the fire was burning before crews were dispatched.

Suppressing the fire was “difficult” due to the unit having “345,000 volts of electricity” running to it, according to the department.

Madison Twp. monitored the fire until a Duke Energy operator was able to respond and shut off electric to the unit. Hall said it was about 30 minutes before the operator was onsite. Crews were then able to extinguish the fire.

No injuries were reported.

Fairfield Twp., Trenton and St. Clair Twp. fire departments also responded for mutual aid.

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About the Author

Bryn Dippold

Bryn Dippold joined the Journal-News staff in March 2025 and primarily covers the city of Middletown. Previously, she was associate editor for Cincy Magazine and worked as freelance copyeditor for Cincinnati CityBeat. She has had bylines in Cincinnati Magazine, The News Record and UC News.