Date: August 23, 2020
Location: Arcata, California (USA)
Address: 800 block of Mad River Road, 95521
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Grain Dust
Industry: Grain Processing (Agriculture)
Equipment: Hay Pile
Company: Unknown
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
The farm and its owner were not identified in any press coverage of the incident.
Incident Description:
On August 24, 2020, Redheaded Blackbelt reported a dust explosion inside a barn in Arcata, California.
Firefighters arrived to find a 14,400 square foot barn ablaze, with smoke issuing through the eaves. As they deployed hose lines and set up a water supply, the hay pile suddenly collapsed, creating a huge fireball.
The Battalion Chief later stated, “Thankfully our firefighters had not gone inside yet. When the hay pile collapsed, it caused a dust explosion. All of the hay dust and particles ignited simultaneously. This fire went from light smoke to a flashover in about thirty seconds.”
Firefighters used approximately 30,000 gallons of water trying to extinguish the flames but were unsuccessful, so they discontinued efforts and let the hay burn. Firefighters said that the fire would continue to burn for approximately one week, and advised those impacted by the smoke to keep their doors and windows closed.
No injuries were reported. The barn and its contents (approximately 187 tons of hay) were lost.
Sources:
Redheaded Blackbelt