Date: February 16, 2018
Location: Cozad, Nebraska (USA)
Address: 303 Meridian Ave, Cozad, NE 69130
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Sawdust
Industry: Livestock Feed (Agricultural)
Equipment: Sawdust Shed
Company: Island Dehy, Inc.
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
Island Dehy, Inc. is a certified organic farm that specializes in both prepared feed and feed ingredients for livestock.
Description of Sawdust Fire:
On February 23, 2018, the Gothenburg Times reported a structural fire at a hay mill in Cozad, Nebraska. The local fire chief told news agency LXCH that the fire reportedly began when an employee was using a tractor with a snowblower attachment to move sawdust from the storage shed. A bearing or other component overheated and ignited the sawdust powder.
The 150-foot metal building was soon engulfed in flames, so firefighters tore siding off the structure and sprayed water directly onto the burning sawdust. As the wind shifted, flames intermittently issued from the interior, keeping the emergency crew at a distance, but eventually, the blaze settled into a smolder.
Officials originally decided to let the fire burn itself out under supervision, but by the following morning, the local air quality was too unhealthy. There were also concerns because the fire was only 150 feet from a natural gas valve facility, so the last of the embers were put out.
No employees were injured but three firefighters were treated for minor bumps and bruises.
Sources:
Gothenburg Times
LXCH
