Category Archives: Manufacturing Plant

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

Portland, OR – Sprinkler system activated for commercial fire at roofing plant; No injuries reported

Portland Fire responds to third alarm industrial fire overnight.

At 12:29 AM BOEC tapped out a commercial fire in the NW Industrial District at the Owens Corning Portland Roofing Plant with reports of a commercial fire alarm. This industrial plant is located near the corner of NW Yeon and NW 35th Ave. The initial reports were of a water flow activation from the interior fire suppression system that automatically contacts the dispatch center with information of a possible fire. Crews arrived to find plant personnel evacuating and a significant amount of smoke pushing from a centrally located smokestack of the facility. There was an initial concern that water application would be ineffective in addressing this fire leading the command officer to request Foam Unit 24 (FU-24) and the large foam firefighting equipment housed at the airport by PDX Port Fire. In the end, an internal sprinkler and large bore hose lines banking water off the roof cooled and extinguished the flames. There were no reported injuries.

As crews were arriving there was a significant amount of smoke pushing out of a centrally located smokestack with plant personnel evacuating the structure. The loud internal warning system that was directing people to evacuate the building due to fire was looping each 15 seconds with the message “Fire – Evacuate the building – Fire – Evacuate the building”. This industrial plant produces roofing materials, and the large machinery used to heat up a tar solution to apply to roofing tiles was on fire with flames showing from the machinery that is used to heat up and move the solution through the plant.

Plant personnel met with arriving crews and stated that application of water on the fire is not advised as there would be a large and volatile steam reaction of the water onto the hot tar product. There was an inhouse CO2 extinguishing fire suppression system in place that was activated and overrun by the amount of fire present in this emergency which alarmed both plant personnel and responding crews. This directed the command officer to request the multiple foam units along with the PF&R Hazardous Materials Team and Coordinator. There was a concern that the fire would extend from the machinery into the pans and troughs filled with the slurry of tar products and extend to the multiple storage tanks on the exterior of the structure located on the complex. This increased fire activity could lead to the entire storage vats becoming overrun with fire with a significant amount of stored fuels involved. To be certain there were enough firefighters on scene to address what could have potentially been a long and extended fire, the command officer requested up to a third alarm assignment during the arrival, education, and planning phases of this emergency response.

The priority of the responding firefighters was to find the power shut off to stop the flow of electricity into the machinery. This securing of the electrical system was performed by a crew early on with the assistance and direction of plant personnel. Once power had been secured, a fire suppression plan could be enacted. This initial plan involved large amounts of foam from the specialized fire apparatus on scene from PF&R and Airport Fire to flow a foam solution safely into the area affected by flames to extinguish the fire to not have a steam production emergency due to the water hitting the hot tarry solution.

Crews on the interior noticed a single interior fire sprinkler head had been activated and was raining down water onto the machinery and was able to connect with plant personnel to discover that water can be applied to the machinery but direct waterflow into the pans and troughs filled with the slurry of hot tar is ill advised due to the possible steam production. This redirected command to put two large bore nozzles hoses in place on the interior of the facility to bounce off the ceiling and rain down water to cool and extinguish the flames within the machinery of the plant.

The elimination of the electricity to the machinery along with the large amounts of water raining down on the area affected by bouncing the water off the ceiling suppressed the fire in a 10-minute period. Quick extinguishment of this large industrial fire resulted in a small amount of damage to the facility. All water used in extinguishing the flames was captured by the in-house water retention system and not released back into the municipal water system. The bulk of the second alarm assignment was released within the first hour of the incident with PF&R crews remaining on scene to assist plant personnel in wrapping up this emergency.

PF&R would like to thank the dispatchers at BOEC for their assistance along with PPB Patrol Officers who provided traffic control allowing our crews to operate safely along HWY 30/NW Yeon. PF&R would also like to thank the members of PGE for responding to the site to assist in addressing the flow of electricity in the aerial powerlines in the area.

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

Leominster, MA – Sprinkler system suppresses lithium-ion battery fire at manufacturing facility

The sprinkler system in a Leominster business controlled a lithium-ion battery fire yesterday, preventing what could have been serious damage in the early-morning hours, said Leominster Fire Chief Robert A. Sideleau II and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

The Leominster Fire Department responded to an alarm activation at a manufacturing business at 501 Lancaster St. shortly before 5:00 yesterday morning. On arrival, they observed smoke but no fire. Firefighters made entry, searched for any injured parties, and ensured that the fire was fully extinguished. On further examination, they found that an overhead sprinkler head had activated, suppressing the fire.

An investigation by the Leominster Fire Department, Leominster Police Department, and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office determined that the fire was accidental started with lithium-ion batteries that had overheated on a workbench.

“If they’re abused, overheated, or overcharged, lithium-ion batteries can start a fire that explodes in smoke, flames, and toxic, flammable gases,” said Chief Sideleau. “These batteries power devices we use at home every day, from phones and laptops to power tools and outdoor equipment. It’s important to charge, use, and store these devices safely. Always use the manufacturer’s charging equipment. Charge the device on a hard and stable surface, not a bed, couch, or pillow. Disconnect the device when it’s fully charged, and store it at room temperature, not in direct sunlight, a hot car, or freezing temperatures.”

“The sprinkler system at this site operated exactly as intended,” said State Fire Marshal Davine.  “It effectively extinguished a fire and prevented serious damage or injury. Tragically, none of the 31 Massachusetts residents who died in fires at home last year had that protection. If you’re buying or building a home, choose one with fire sprinklers. There is no faster or more efficient way to control a serious fire until firefighters arrive.”

Yesterday’s incident was the second lithium-ion battery fire to be extinguished by a sprinkler system in recent weeks. On January 4, the Woburn Fire Department responded to a commercial site for an alarm activation to find that the building’s sprinkler system had effectively suppressed a fire that started with a chemical reaction involving lithium-ion batteries.

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

South Euclid, OH – Sprinkler system contains machine fire; No injuries reported

Several fire companies were called out to a manufacturing company after one machine caught fire late Monday.

According to firefighters, the fire started just after 11 p.m. at Glastics Corporation on Glenridge Road.

When firefighters arrived, all employees were already evacuated.

Firefighters said there was heavy smoke inside the building, but the sprinkler system contained the blaze to the machine.

The building was ventilated and there were no injuries.

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

Airdrie, AB, Canada – Sprinkler system controls fire at large manufacturing facility; No injuries reported

In the evening on Saturday, August 5, at approximately 6:31 p.m., the Airdrie Fire Department received a call regarding a large manufacturing facility engulfed in heavy interior smoke at 700 Block Eastlake Road.

According to a city release, the fire was controlled with the assistance of the building’s sprinkler system and extinguished by firefighters on arrival.

“All employees were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The roof was also checked for possible damage.”

20 firefighters were on the scene from the Airdrie Fire Department, assisted by Rocky View County.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Prevention Bureau and damages will be estimated by the Airdrie Fire Department.

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

Rockland, ME – Sprinkler system extinguishes fire in industrial building

A March 20 fire at the International Flavors and Fragrances plant on Lime Street started due to sunlight refracting through a glass ball that was facing a roll of paper towels.

Rockland Fire Chief Christopher Whytock said this was the second consecutive fire in which a sprinkler system in an industrial building worked like it was intended and limited damage. On March 1, the department responded to a fire at Weatherend Estate Furniture in the Industrial Park.

The call at IFF came in shortly after 6 p.m. March 20. Rockland crews were at the scene within a few minutes followed by Rockport.

Chief Whytock said a fire started in an office in Building 13. The sprinkler system extinguished the fire.

The chief said workers began to smell what they described as “dust on a heater” in the area of the office about 50 minutes before the fire alarm and sprinkler system tripped. Workers looked around but couldn’t find the source of the smell and it had dissipated. They looked through a glass door into the office but didn’t see any source of the smell.

“What we found is that the roll of brown paper towels had smoldered for some time before it then caught a plastic bottle next to the roll on fire and the alcohol that was in the bottle gave off enough heat to then start melting the radio in the area of the fire. Once that got burning the heat was enough to initiate the sprinkler system,” the chief said.

Workers were outside the large building immediately past the gate at the Lime Street entrance as firefighters went inside the structure which had a receiving sign on it.

The International Flavors and Fragrances plant produces carrageenan from seaweed. Even though the company lists IFF as its owner, workers were wearing hard hats that said DuPont.

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

Madison, WI – Sprinkler system activated for fire in receptacle container; No injuries reported

A fire at a Kipp Corporation building was put out by the automatic sprinkler system, officials said Tuesday.

Crews were sent to the building in the 100 block of South Fair Oaks Avenue just after 7:30 a.m. Monday. A nearby EMS crew that was responding to an unrelated call noticed steam and smoke coming from the area.

Staff at the building reported that a receptacle that collected metal shavings, dust and debris caught fire. The sprinkler system in the receptacle triggered and the fire was put out before it could spread.

No injuries were reported.

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

Steinbach, MB, Canada – Sprinkler system activated for fire at window manufacturer; No injuries reported

There were no injuries from a fire Wednesday afternoon at Loewen in Steinbach.

The Steinbach Fire Department was called to the window manufacturer at approximately 2:30 pm. By then, the building was evacuated.

“Usually if we are getting a call at Loewen there is potential for a large fire,” says Fire Chief Kel Toews. 

Toews says when they arrived on scene they determined the fire was coming from within a wood hopper. 

“It was quickly extinguished,” he notes. “Fire damage was contained basically to that room.”

Toews notes the fire set off the sprinkler system and as a result there is water damage in the room below.

Jon Sawatzky is Director of Product and Marketing at Loewen. He says they are still waiting to hear the official cause of the fire and the extent of damage. But, he says damage appears minimal.

“Our staff did an incredible job of following protocol, which helped to keep everyone safe and we’re already back in operation, we’re thrilled and relieved to say that nobody was hurt,” said Sawatzky on Wednesday shortly after 4 pm.

“We also want to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the Steinbach Fire Department, Southern Health Emergency Medical Services, and the RCMP for the quick response in keeping us safe,” adds Sawatzky.

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

Perry, IA – Sprinkler system activated for fire at manufacturing plant; No injuries reported

A fire in a back room at Percival Scientific Inc. in Perry Saturday afternoon brought a response from the Perry Volunteer Fire Department.

No injuries were reported in the blaze, which was quickly extinguished at 505 Research Dr. after it activated the plant’s sprinkler system, according to public safety radio traffic.

Firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire at this hour.

Officers of the Perry Police Department also responded.

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

Dayton, OH – Sprinkler system holds fire in check until fire crews arrive; No injuries reported

An alert employee on Tuesday morning noticed a fire, shut down equipment involved and warned other workers before calling 911.

Crews responded around 7:45 a.m. to Polymershapes, 1680 Blauser Drive, for a report of a fire near a compressor.

The building, which houses three separate businesses, was evacuated before crews arrived and no injuries were reported, according to a release from Cameron Haller, chief of emergency services.

The sprinkler system held the fire in check, which was in a processing area on the southwest side of the building. Firefighters were able to quickly put it out.

The fire started near an industrial air compressor. The cause is undetermined but is unintentional. The total estimated loss to the structure is not yet determined, but the air compressor, which was destroyed in the fire, has an estimated value of $100,000, Haller said.

The two other businesses in the building were able to return to normal operations.

Polymershapes offers a variety of plastic fabrication.

In addition to Tipp City Fire/EMS, West Milton, Bethel Twp., Troy and Vandalia fire departments assisted at the scene.

Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plant

Battle Creek, MI – Sprinkler system activated for large manufacturing fire

Two people suffered minor injuries from a large manufacturing fire Wednesday morning in Battle Creek.

Firefighters were called in at 9:25 a.m. to a building owned by Transcontinental Michigan at 155 Brook St., according to a news release.

Responding units arrived on scene to find smoke coming from the garage opening on the side of the building.

Rescue 3 pulled an attack hose line, made an interior attack and quickly gained control of the fire with help from the fire suppression sprinkler unit that was directly over the machine that was on fire.

Fire units then performed ventilation to remove the trapped smoke in the building and checked for fire extension.

No firefighters were injured, but two company employees were checked by EMS for smoke inhalation.

They did not go to the hospital, however.

The cause of the fire was a malfunctioning machine, according to the Battle Creek Fire Department.

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