Date: April 29, 2022
Location: Spokane Valley, Washington (USA)
Address: 6015 E. Alki Avenue, 99212
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Grain Dust
Industry: Seed Production (Food Processing)
Equipment: Grain Silo
Company: Spokane Seed Company
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, Spokane Seed Company is a family owned and operated business headquartered in Spokane, Washington. It was established in 1908 and is engaged in the growing, processing and marketing of dried peas, lentils and chickpeas.
Incident Description:
On April 29, 2022, KREM 2 reported a silo fire at a seed production facility in Spokane Valley, Washington.
Spokane Valley firefighters were called to the scene just after midnight for reports of a smouldering fire inside a multi-story storage silo. They found the fire burning in several locations. It broke out at an auger unit moving material from the ground up to the top of the silo. Therefore, not only was there fire at the bottom of the auger, but also the equipment had delivered burning material to several spots at the top of the silo.
About 60,000 bushels were at risk in the half-full silo. The fire created a major risk for firefighters because the dust was extremely flammable and could explode.
Ladder crews from Spokane Valley and the City of Spokane helped firefighters reach the top of the silo. Their aerial ladders on the trucks were long enough to reach the decking attached to the silo.
After two hours, crews were able to move the unaffected material into another silo. Fire crews stood by with hoses in case dust or anything else ignited.
No injuries were reported.
Sources:
KREM 2
