Date: December 28, 2019
Location: Roanoke, Virginia (USA)
Address: 5022 Hollins Road, 24019
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Unknown
Industry: Glass and Metal Packaging
Equipment: Bake Oven
Company: Ardagh Group
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: Two Injured
Capital Cost: $4,000,000
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company’s website, Ardagh Group is a global supplier of recyclable metal and glass packaging solutions. It operates 56 metal and glass production facilities in 12 countries, employing approximately 16,000+ people and have global sales of more than $6.7bn.
Incident Description:
On December 28, 2019, WDBJ 7 reported a structural fire at an industrial plant in Roanoke, Virginia.
The fire ignited at around 8:00 p.m. It started in an inner bake oven but most of it was in the building exhaust pipes. At one point, a 10 to 15-foot tower of flame could be seen shooting from the roof. A representative of the Community Outreach Coordinator for Roanoke County Fire and Rescue said the fire was “dramatic” because it could be seen from far away.
Fire crews remained at the scene for over seven hours, finally leaving at 3:30 a.m. Two firefighters were injured: one was treated for smoke inhalation and released while the other was treated on scene for a back injury.
The conveyor belts, piping system, machines, and oven suffered severe fire and smoke and water damage. Investigators estimated the loss at around four million dollars.
Sources:
WDBJ 7
