Six fire companies work together to put out dust fire......

Rawlinsville Volunteer Fire Company who assisted five other fire companies in putting this fire out. 

The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog has posted incidents involving aluminium fines/dust fires in the past. Here is a recent incident where local fire departments worked cooperatively to prevent a fire from getting out of control.

Fire crews and workers at the Buck Company foundry, in Pennsylvania in the United States were able to contain a fire in a dust collector containing aluminum dust, preventing a flash fire and possible explosion one day during the week October 5, 2014.

About six fire companies responded to said the fire spokesman for Rawlinsville Volunteer Fire Company (RVFC).

"There is always a chance for a flash fire and explosive hazard when you're dealing with any kind of metal dust," spokesman for said (RVFC).

He said a large amount of apparatus was dispatched to take precaution and to be ready to take action in case of an explosion. No one was injured.

Flames were visible inside the dust collector, producing smoke and prompting the evacuation of the plant. RVFC spokesman said fire crews and foundry personnel worked to flood the machine with water and prevent a flash fire.

A flash fire and explosion is caused when a fire is susceptible to a rush of oxygen.

Rawlinsville Volunteer Fire Company spokesman said metal manufacturing facilities face these hazards because of the amount of metal dusts being produced.

"They're molding, cutting and trimming different types of cast metals," Rawlinsville Volunteer Fire Company said. "There's always a buildup of dust. Anytime you have that, you have a hazard."

Rawlinsville Volunteer Fire Company said in his experience, the Buck Company foundry has a good safety record with "very limited incidents." The foundry was able to resume operations as the fire was limited to the dust collector.

Congratulations to the foundry personnel for contacting the fire department as soon as possible. The APSB has posted incidents where a delay in notifying the local emergency management services resulted in a small fire growing larger.

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