Date: February 15, 2020
Location: Catawissa, Pennsylvania (USA)
Address: 75 Orchard Drive, 17820
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Fish Meal
Industry: Fish Food Production
Equipment: Unknown
Company: Melick Aquafeed
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company’s website, Melick Aquafeed is a fish food processor located in Catawissa, Pennsylvania. The current owners purchased it in June 2017.
Incident Description:
On February 15, 2020, WNEP reported a fire at a fish food manufacturer in Catawissa, Pennsylvania.
A passerby spotted the fire at around 6:00 p.m. He later stated that flames were issuing from an air vent on the roof of the building, which was soon fully engulfed. The passerby alerted the employees, who had no idea that the second floor was on fire, and called 911.
Fire crews were on scene within three minutes, but the flames had already spread throughout the building. It took the combined effort of 20 fire companies to put the fire out. According to NorthCentralPa, more than 100 employees had to be evacuated.
The next day, firefighters worked to put out hot spots in the smoldering building. They also tore down a burned tower and moved propane tanks that sat near the warehouse.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Sources:
WNEP
NorthCentralPa
