Xcel Energy Cabin Creek fire

[1] Xcel paid millions of dollars in compensation to the workers' families and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration fines, but was found innocent of criminal charges.

RPI Coating, the contractor who was directly responsible for the work, pled guilty to violation of federal safety regulations.

[5] In 2000, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-initiated inspection of the penstock (a long, sloping tunnel and confined space running nearly 3/4 of a mile) found that the epoxy lining on the interior of the pipes was deteriorating.

This would have required a costly set of safety mechanisms to be put in place, including work environment monitoring, specialized rescue team on site, and rigorous control of flammable substances.

RPI workers used methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), a highly volatile chemical with a low flash point, as the solvent.

[6] On October 2 around 1:55 pm, when a safety inspector and general foreman were out to lunch, a flash fire engulfed the sprayer platform while MEK was being circulated through the equipment.

A growing fire separated the work group; five workers were on the far side of the burning spray platform, unable to reach the single point of exit, more than 1400 feet away.

First responders were immediately dispatched, but were not told that the fire was in a confined space, nor that specialized equipment by highly trained rescuers would be needed.

After the enormity of the rescue was recognized, local first responders requested the help of a large, suburban Denver fire department.

Local responders, including a backcountry rescue team, made a single attempt to enter the tunnel, using breathing apparatus and an ATV.

[6] Ultimately, the Henderson Mine Rescue Team would make entry into the tunnel and confirm both that the fire was out and that five workers were dead.

In recognition of the tragic event, Colorado state governor Bill Ritter later traveled to Georgetown to meet with the families of the deceased.

[10] On June 1, 2011, Federal prosecutors opened their charges that Xcel Energy was criminally liable for the deaths of the five RPI workers.

[13] On December 19, 2011, RPI Coating pleaded guilty to workplace safety violations and paid $1.55 million in a cash settlement.