Date: April 9, 2022
Location: Sheboygan, Wisconsin (USA)
Address: 1720 North Avenue, 53083
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Plastic Dust
Industry: Phenolic Resins and Thermoset Molding
Equipment: Dust Collector
Company: Plastic Engineering Company
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: One Injured
Capital Cost: $500,000 USD
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, Plastic Engineering Company is a phenolic resins and thermoset molding manufacturer headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1934 and sells products under its trademark PLENCO. The company furnishes industry with a wide range of ready-made or custom-formulated molding compounds, industrial resins, and molded products.
Incident Description:
On April 9, 2022, the Sheboygan Press reported a dust collector fire at a phenolic resins and thermoset molding manufacturer in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
The Sheboygan Fire Department reported that crews were dispatched to the plant shortly after 2:00 p.m. on April 8 in response to reports of a fire on the roof “with possible explosions.” Firefighters found smoke and fire in the northeast corner of the roof upon arrival.
The fire was caused by a dust collector, and there were several small fires on the roof where product was blown out of it. Once a ladder was in place, fire crews attacked the fire on the outside of the dust collector. Then they opened a panel on the dust collector with help from maintenance personnel, found more smoke and flames, and applied water to them.
According to the fire department, the small fires were put out quickly, and the dust collector fire was controlled within 30 minutes. Crews remained on scene for about four and a half hours.
The Sheboygan Fire Department reported one employee was treated on site for smoke inhalation. There were no other injuries reported. Damage was estimated at $500,000.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
Research Update:
According to Sheboygan Fire Department Report #2022-01772, the Battalion Chief spoke to plant and maintenance personnel to determine what had happened. He said it was assumed that during the process, a hot piece of plastic was pulled up to the dust collector system and started the fire. He wrote, “It is my understanding that it is a common practice to have hot plastic or even plastic that is on fire go through the system and start other materials on fire.”
Sources:
Sheboygan Press
Sheboygan Fire Department Report #2022-01772
