Date: August 17, 2018
Location: Suffolk, Virginia (USA)
Address: 311 Factory Street, 23434
Type: Possible Dust Fire
Fuel: Peanut
Industry: Peanut Processing (Food Processing)
Equipment: No Details
Company: Birdsong Peanuts
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, Birdsong Peanuts was established in 1914 when its founder opened a feed and seed store in Courtland, Virginia. The company began shelling peanuts in the 1930’s and, in 1965, expanded its business beyond Virginia and North Carolina to open shelling plants all the way from the east coast of Virginia to New Mexico. Today, Birdsong Peanuts is headquartered in Suffolk, Virginia, and partners with farmers in 11 states to supply peanut product manufacturers in the United States and around the world.
Incident Description:
On August 20, 2018, Powder Bulk Solids reported a fire at a peanut processing plant in Suffolk, Virginia. Fire crews were called to the scene at around 5:05 a.m. and discovered smoke, fire, and smouldering peanuts on the seventh floor of the building. The sprinkler system helped knock down the fire, and fire crews used ladder trucks and hoses to finish putting it out.
During the incident, seven employees were evacuated but there were no reported injuries.
OSHA Inspections:
An establishment search showed two OSHA inspections for the Birdsong Peanuts location in Suffolk, Virginia but neither of them was flagged for combustible dust.
Sources:
Powder Bulk Solids
