Posted: June 17, 2009 4:58:15 PM PDT
Explosion at Iron Gate Industrial Park
Members of the Bellingham Fire Department responded to reports of an explosion on Midway Lane. Upon arrival they were met by business occupants and taken to the location of the explosion. The firefighters verified that the area was safe and the associated fire was out. Medical aid was delivered to an injured employee.
The Bellingham Fire Department’s Life Safety Division investigated the cause of the explosion. It was determined that a cutting torch was used to cut a metal 55-gallon drum that had contained acetone. It was reported that there was still a small amount of acetone in the drum and that it had not been purged before the drum was cut.
Businesses are reminded to perform cutting and welding operations in accordance with the requirements of the International Fire Code. Additional information regarding safe practices for cutting and welding can be found by contacting the Bellingham Fire Department’s Life Safety Division at 360-778-8420.
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Media Contact:
Jason Napier, Fire Marshal
Fire Department
360.778.8422
Jnapier@cob.org
