Date: April 13, 2022
Location: Racine, Wisconsin (USA)
Address: 1215 8th Street, 53403
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Metal Dust
Industry: Metal Heat Treating (Metal Working)
Equipment: Ductwork
Company: Hestia Heat Treating
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: One Injured
Capital Cost: $4,000 USD
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, Hestia Heat Treating is a metal heat treating company in Racine, Wisconsin. Its processes include batch processing, induction hardening, and vacuum hardening. The company has been offering heat treat services to the Southeast Wisconsin/Northern Illinois area for over 50 years.
Incident Description:
On April 13, 2022, FOX6 reported a fire at a metal heat treating company in Racine, Wisconsin.
Around 10:20 a.m., nearby construction workers observed smoke and fire coming from the roof of the facility and called 911.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire and treated one person. A 53-year-old employee fell while he was carrying fire extinguishers up to the roof to put out the fire. He was taken to the hospital and is in a stable condition with no life-threatening injuries.
Fire officials said a welding repair spark ignited fine dust particles on the inner walls of exhaust ductwork above a heat treatment furnace. The fire then spread through the exhaust, damaged the roof exhaust stack, and ignited the rubber roof membrane.
Officials estimate the damage at $4,000. Following a short evacuation to allow firefighters to remove heavy smoke, workers were able to resume normal operations.
Sources:
FOX6
