Updated July 29, 2024
Date of Incident: April 17, 2017
Location: Port Manatee, Florida (USA)
Address: 2327 S Dock Street, 34221
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Sulfur Dust
Industry: Bulk Shipping and Cargo
Equipment: Unknown
Company: Logistec Gulf Coast, LLC
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Fatalities or Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Description
Buildings near Port Manatee were evacuated and authorities closed U.S. Highway 41 as firefighters battled a blaze at Port Manatee. Initial reports suggested the fire was due to a brush fire that ignited sulphur mounds being stored in the area. But later investigations concluded that a dump truck caught on fire at the port and ignited three smaller piles of sulphur.
According to a spokesperson for Logistec Gulf Coast, LLC, the fire is believed to have been caused by a truck driving over dry sulfur dust. The truck driver reportedly took his vehicle outside of a marked area that is kept damp for safety and the friction from the tires ignited loose material.
Sulfur fires pose an additional hazard to first responders: the release of hydrogen sulfide gas, which may be produced when the sulfur is heated. The gas is both toxic and highly flammable, and its presence can lower the flash point of sulfur dust.
Logistec Gulf Coast, LLC is a joint venture approved by the Manatee County Port Authority. Gulf Coast Bulk Equipment, Inc. and Logistec USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Logistec Corp, reached an agreement to create Logistec Gulf Coast, LLC. The company provides stevedoring services and bulk shipping services in Port Manatee, Florida.
Related Companies: None
News Articles: Link 1
Keywords: Sulfur Dust, Shipping
