"a magnesium-laden slag pile that ignited....ruled a total loss"

 

In the early hours one morning in September 2025, a fire broke out at secondary aluminium facility, causing significant damage.

The blaze, which began at the (aluminium company name omitted) plant, was sparked by a magnesium-laden slag pile that ignited, leading to intense flames and extensive damage to the facility's roof.

Local fire departments and rescue teams quickly responded to the scene, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire Marshal. Fire Chief reported that firefighters were called to the facility on (location name omitted) at approximately 5 a.m.

There fire departments reported to the scene and assisted in the response. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshal is still investigating the cause of the blaze.

Another news article

A fire severely damaged part of an aluminum processing facility one morning in September 2025.

According to Fire Chief, around 5 a.m. firefighters were called to the aluminium plant. Officials said a slag pile containing magnesium ignited, causing heavy flames.

Officials said the fire severely burned the roof of the building, which was ruled a total loss.

The response was assisted by the Maury County Fire Department, Columbia Fire and Rescue, and Lawrence County Fire and Rescue.

No injuries were reported. The Fire Marshal has not yet determined what caused the fire.

We are thankful no one was injured in this fire. We pray that production can resume and the building demolition and rebuilding can occur as soon as possible.

This fire occurred “when a slag pile containing magnesium ignited”. The only way to extinguish a magnesium fire is by smothering the fire with class d fire extinguishing agent. Water CAN NOT be used because the high heat causes magnesium to rip oxygen from water (H2O), resulting in the release of hydrogen gas and intensifying the fire, potentially leading to explosions.

Any plant that processes magnesium and/or aluminium MUST have enough class d fire extinguishing agent on hand to extinguish any metal fire. The common issue is workplaces downplay or disregard the hazard of a metal fire. They assume incorrectly that the local fire departments have class d fire extinguishers to put out a fire.

No external fire department has enough class d fire agent on hand to successfully and safely extinguish a metal fire. In this incident, the remelt plant is in a town of 5000 people, 110 kilometers away from a large city. I would doubt the major city’s fire departments had the quantity of class d fire extinguishing agent on hand to extinguish this blaze.

What to do? First, we recommend that all aluminium plant managers and/or owners tour their local fire departments. During the tour ask the simple question “How much Class D fire extinguishing agent do you have in stock?”

The answer will surprise you. Next, take this as a challenge and get enough class d fire extinguishing agent. Companies use a variety of materials to put out small and large fires. From sand, bone ash, red mud, etc. We have reported on fires extinguished when tons and tons of dirt was placed on a metal fire to smother it.

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