DUMPSTER FIRE EXPLOSION-FF LODD UPDATE: STATE FIRE MARSHAL REPORT OUT-NIOSH REPORT DUE OUT SOON (REPORT- Never put water on molten metal, it will explode)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The first report on the Dec. 29 (2010) explosion that killed St. Anna Firefighter Steven "Peanut" Koeser in the Line of Duty is linked below. The fire and explosion also injured eight other Firefighters that night. Without question, we feel this could have happened to literally ANY of us at any FD and emphasizes the need to pre-plan - as well as understand that literally anything can be in a dumpster-and our size-up, plans and actions must reflect that.
While the NIOSH report will be out soon, the state of Wisconsin Fire Marshal’s Office and the Calumet County Sheriff’s Department states that the dumpster contained aluminum alloy shavings and 55-gallon steel barrels of aluminum oxide dross, or slag.
The report (below) on the LODD is based upon the statements of St. Anna Fire Chief Robert Thome, who was one of the first to arrive. Chief Thome saw an 18-inch “cherry red” hotspot at the base of the trash bin. Using a ladder to look inside the bin, he noticed one barrel that appeared to be very hot and saw sparks coming from aluminum shavings and other materials that were burning. Firefighters sprayed water on the contents, which produced a lot of steam and bluish-green flames. Chief Thome requested then that foam be added to the hose stream, but that intensified the production of sparks. Chief Thome began to signal for the foam to be stopped, and as he was turning away from the Dumpster, the explosion occurred.
The explosion peeled back a wall of the dumpster. Eight 55-gallon barrels were found around the damaged container, and two barrels were found inside. Investigators discovered several holes in the side of the bin where the steel had melted through.
One MSDS sheet about the involved materials says “may become unstable at high temperatures.” Safety instructions for these specific aluminum casting alloys caution against using water or moist sand during firefighting. The instructions say a "fire or explosion may occur when material is in the form of dust and exposed to heat or flames, chemical reaction, or contact with powerful oxidizers.”
The instructions conclude, “Never put water on molten metal — it will explode.”
Another sheet recommends for fires involving aluminum fines or chips, firefighters should use dry sand or Class D (combustible metals) extinguishing agents. “Do not use water or other liquids, foams or halogenated extinguishing agents,” it says. Or, depending upon conditions, it may be best to let it burn and clear the area. Depending upon conditions and resources.
