Equipment Fire

News Release from: Salem Fire Dept.
EQUIPMENT FIRE
Posted: February 1st, 2013 1:08 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2013-02/1061/61385/IMGP7652.JPG

At approximately 08:28 a.m. on February 1, 2013, fire crews from the Salem Fire Department were dispatched to the 2200 block of Madrona Avenue SE in Salem, Oregon for a report of a fire located in a bio-processor unit. The fire was discovered by employees who were working on the machinery who then called 911.

Salem Engine 6 arrived approximately three and a half minutes after the initial call and found the equipment well involved with fire. Due to the close proximity of the burning equipment to the adjacent building, additional firefighting resources were called and hydrant supply lines were laid across Madrona Avenue SE, necessitating closure of the street until the fire was under control.

The Salem Fire Department responded with a total of five fire engines, two water tenders, one ladder truck, and command staff. Rural Metro Ambulance also responded for medical coverage.

The fire was deemed out at approximately 09:36 a.m. No injuries to employees or firefighters were reported. Fire damage to the unit is estimated at approximately $20,000. The fire was contained to the equipment with no damage to the adjacent building. The cause of the fire appears to be welding and cutting operations that ignited the internal conveyor belt of the equipment. Portable fire extinguishers were initially used by employees in an attempt to extinguish the fire. However, due to the concealed location of the conveyor belt and difficult access, the fire grew quickly out of control.

Madrona Avenue SE is open to normal traffic.

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