"Luckily the diesel tank (20,000 L) did not explode"

Many parts of the world do not have a steady supply of natural gas, fuel oil, etc. It is the distribution and storage of these fuels that can be hazardous. Here is a story from late last year:

A quick action by firefighters to control the diesel tank fire of an aluminium factory in Southeast Asia, managed to save almost 20 other factories from being destroyed in a fire one afternoon in December 2019.

The incident happened at about 3 pm, the fire destroyed 20 percent of the aluminum smelting part of the factory.

Head of the local Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), Deputy Fire Superintendent said, his party received an emergency call at 3.25 pm.

“A total of 22 officers and members together with three vehicles from the Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) from three stations were deployed to the scene.

"Upon arrival, we found that the fire was raging and quick action managed to control the fire from spreading as well as the remaining diesel flowing into the factory drain at risk of causing pollution.

"The fire is believed to be caused by a 20,000 liter diesel tank pipe leak used to melt aluminum," he said when met, today.

He added that the fire brigade took about 30 minutes to put out the fire and no casualties were reported in the fire.

"The total loss is still under investigation," he said.

We are so happy to post an incident where no one died nor was injured. All too often we weep when we write up the incidents involving fatalities.

This incident could have been easily a tragedy if the diesel fuel ignited. Thankfully the fire department arrived quickly and was able to safely extinguish the fire.

The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog has posted incidents where fuel storage tanks (e.g., propane, diesel, natural gas, etc.) have leaked. We have also posted incidents where the piping for these tanks have leaked and caused incidents. It is imperative that the entire fuel storage and distribution system is routinely inspected. Without regularly scheduled inspections an incident like this could occur.

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