Date: June 1, 2018
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)
Address: 1200 Brook Avenue, 55414
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Grain Dust
Industry: Grain Storage (Agriculture)
Equipment: Grain Elevator
Company: Project for Pride for Living
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
The Bunge Grain Elevator in Minneapolis was built in 1935 and 1936. The reinforced concrete structure was the largest grain storage facility in North America and made Minneapolis a large agricultural resource for the region. The elevator operated until 2003, at which point it was shut down and listed as part of the Minnesota Historic Property Records.
Earlier this year, Project for Pride in Living started redeveloping the elevator to turn the property into affordable housing space. The 115-foot elevators were cut down but the headhouse is being preserved as a historic symbol.
Description of Closed Grain Elevator Fire:
On June 1, 2018 ABC News 5 reported a structural fire at the closed Bunge Grain Elevator in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the time a housing company was demolishing the majority of the elevator, while keeping the head house intact. The company was cutting metal storage bins inside the elevator when a spark ignited grain remnants and a rubber conveyor used for the demolition.
According to the Star Tribune firefighters doused the flames with water and used a foam to suppress the remaining hotspots. A video posted by ABC News 5 shows fire in the elevator and significant smoke coming from the roof and windows. No one is believe to be injured and the incident will not impact the housing development timeline.
Sources:
Star Tribune
Arch3LLC
ABC News 5
