Date: December 3, 2018
Location: Altamont, Illinois (USA)
Address: 610 East Cumberland Road, 62411
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Metal Dust
Industry: Seat Manufacturing
Equipment: Dust Collector
Company: Irwin Telescopic Seating Company
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: $20,000
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, Irwin Telescopic Seating Company manufactures audience seating for movie theatres, auditoriums, arenas, performing arts centers, stadiums and places of worship. It was founded over 100 years ago in Grand Rapids, Michigan and operates two manufacturing facilities: one in Grand Rapids and one in Altamont, Illinois. The company employs over 600 people.
Incident Description:
On December 3, 2018, the Effingham Daily News reported a dust collector fire at a seating manufacturer in Altamont, Illinois.
When the fire crews arrived, they found heavy smoke in the building and all workers evacuated. According to the Altamont fire chief, the fire originated in the filters of a dust collector used to ventilate a welding area. An internal fire extinguishing system within the unit had put out the flames, but the filters were still smouldering when the firefighters arrived. They quickly doused these filters with water. The fire was contained to the dust collector and damage is estimated at $20,000. There were no reports of injuries.
Sources:
Effingham Daily News
