By Luke Simpson, Associate Editor, Chem.Info
May 15, 2009
A fire at a Wisconsin chemical warehouse is finally out after burning for more than two days. The company will now begin the cleanup in the hope of resuming limited operations at the plant by Monday.
The fire started Monday night at the Columbus Chemical Industries Inc. plant in Columbus. Once authorities determined no one was in the damaged building, they decided to let the fire burn rather than risk the safety of emergency personnel. A report on Channel 3000 indicated that the fire burnt itself out early Thursday morning.
Tests have indicated that the air and surrounding water quality is safe, and all residents from the nearby community have been allowed to return home. But conditions inside the plant and its surrounding areas are being monitored due to the large volume of chemicals that may have escaped. The Channel 3000 report indicated that some runoff water tested acidic and is being treated.
An investigation into the fire continues. Authorities earlier reported that the initial on-scene investigation did not reveal anything that appeared to be suspicious.