Date: October 9, 2018
Location: Christchurch, South Island (New Zealand)
Address: 292 Main South Road, Hornby, 8042
Type: Dust Explosion and Fire
Fuel: Fertilizer
Industry: Fertilizer Production
Equipment: Conveyor Felt
Company: Ravensdown Fertiliser
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Multiple millions in damages
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, Ravensdown Fertilizer was founded on November 1, 1978, in Christchurch, New Zealand, and became a 100% farmer-owned cooperative in 1987. It produces and provides fertilizer, agrochemicals, lime, seed, and animal nutrition products, and provides consulting services to farmers and agricultural businesses.
Incident Description:
On October 9, 2018, Powder & Bulk Solids reported a fire at a fertilizer plant in Christchurch, New Zealand. According to Stuff NZ, two loud bangs were heard and burning rubber from a conveyor belt created a huge plume of black smoke that could be seen throughout the area.
Approximately 40 firefighters responded to the fire, which started in the eastern end of the plant’s storage area. They stopped it just meters from a sulphur store, preventing evacuations in the surrounding area.
The fire damaged the roofs of four storage buildings. According to the Otago Daily Times, it is believed to have started during some maintenance work and spread along the roof line when a rubber conveyor belt ignited.
There were no injuries reported A company spokesperson confirmed that costs for repairs will be “many millions.”.
