Date: October 11, 2018
Location: Cleveland, Ohio (USA)
Address: 3175 Independence Road, 44105
Type: Potential Dust Fire
Fuel: Steel Dust
Industry: Steel Production (Manufacturing)
Equipment: Conveyor Belt
Company: ArcelorMittal
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, ArcelorMittal is a steel manufacturing company with a presence in 60 countries and an industrial footprint in 18 countries. It is the successor to Mittal Steel, created through the merger of Arcelor and Mittal Steel in 2006.
In the United States, ArcelorMittal accounts for more than 20% of the U.S. steelmaking capacity and operates 26 facilities in 12 states. The company production plant in Cleveland has a steelmaking capacity of 3.8 million tons and employs 1890 workers. Its products are used in the automotive, construction, converters, and distribution markets.
Incident Description:
On October 11, 2018, Powder & Bulk Solids reported a conveyor belt fire at a steel production plant in Cleveland, Ohio. According to Cleveland 19 News, the fire took crews approximately three hours to put out because the conveyor belt fell two stories below ground, creating pockets of fire that crews had to fight individually.
The Cleveland fire chief explained that the belt kept burning, as thick rubber usually does, making it more difficult to quickly extinguish.
The hazmat unit was also at the scene for foam operations to help smother the fire.
No injuries were reported. A company spokesperson said that production would not be affected.
Sources:
Powder & Bulk Solids
Cleveland 19 News
