Dross fire...

Planning and preparation for unexpected fires in our workplaces is a must. Not only should the workplace be prepared. So must the local fire department who will respond to a fire department. Here is a recent incident highlighting this topic.

The Heroic Fire Brigade managed to control and extinguish a fire registered inside a company located in the Industrial Park of (location omitted), in the municipality of (location omitted), where approximately two tons of aluminum (scrap) was consumed by the fire.

 

The events were registered at the facilities of the (aluminium) company, located on the Municipality street of (location omitted), after the plant staff performed maneuvers to relocate several tons of scum or cut aluminum.

According to a report received from Emergency Services 911, the material made contact with water accumulated on the floor, generating a chemical reaction that prompted its ignition. Within minutes, the flames reached about two tons of the recycled material and further drifted into an ammonia leak, increasing the risk inside the factory.

 

Upon arriving at the site, the State Fire Department confirmed that it was a Class D fire, a category that corresponds to fires caused by combustible metals, which require special procedures for control and extinguishing.

In the face of the grim nature, the volcanoes implemented specialized maneuvers, applying silic sand on the affected surface to reduce the temperature of the metal and prevent the reaction from continuing to spread.

After several hours of intense work, the staff were able to completely extinguish the fire, eliminating any risk of reactivation and preventing the flames from spreading to other areas of the company.

No injuries were reported, although the emergency generated a major mobilization of emergency and security forces in the industrial area.

We are ecstatic that no one was injured in this fire. At minimum the fire department had the knowledge that only class D fire extinguisher agent could be used to smother the fire.

From the photos it appears to be a dross fire. Water must not be used on a dross fire as the water. Mixing water with hot dross triggers a violent chemical reaction that releases flammable hydrogen gas, creating an extreme risk of explosion and toxic gas emissions. Instead, smother the fire using dry sand, soda ash, or a Class D fire extinguisher.

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