COMMERCIAL FIRE DESTROYS STORED OIL AND STRUCTURE NEAR SILVERTON
Posted: August 18th, 2011 8:26 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/3068/46958/Silverton_Fire_4.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/3068/46958/Silverton_Fire_3.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/3068/46958/Silverton_Fire_2.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/3068/46958/Silverton_Fire_1.JPG
The Silverton Fire District responded at approximately 4:45 pm to a reported commercial fire in the 1500 block of Pine St. just outside the city limits of Silverton. When the first unit arrived on scene, fire could be seen coming from an area near some trees which is near the side of a storage area that contained approximately 1200 gallons of vegetable oil and 275 gallons of used motor oil. At this time, the incident commander requested a second alarm.
When fire impinged on the large barrels of oil, 800 gallons of the vegetable oil spilled from their plastic barrels and immediately caught fire as it flowed along the ground creating a "lava" effect. The vegetable oil fire then breached the 275 gallons of used motor oil. This caused a massive amount of fire and black smoke which billowed high into the air. The smoke and fire could be seen for miles.
The fire then reached a large shop and caused fire to break out on the outside and inside of the structure. Very heavy damage was caused to the structure. However, an aggressive fire attack did save a majority of the large shop.
In addition to the shop and oil products, approximately 5-7 very large cedar and fir trees were destroyed by the massive amount of fire created by the vegetable and motor oil. The vegetable oil was to be transported to a facility that refines it into bio-diesel.
The monetary loss of the oil, structure and the contents will be very high, but approximate amounts are not known at this time. The origin and cause of the fire is currently being investigated by Silverton Fire District Investigators.
The Silverton Fire District responded with 4 fire engines on this 2 alarm fire. Mt. Angel Fire District also responded to assist. Over 25 firefighters were needed to control the blaze.
See attached photos
Further information will be provided as investigators attempt to determine the cause of the fire.
Contact Information:
Captain Ed Grambusch - PIO
Silverton Fire District
503-576-0506
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