Date: May 2, 2021
Location: Brunswick, Georgia (USA)
Address: 225 Newcastle Street, 31520
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Wood Dust
Industry: Wood Pellets (Wood and Wood Products)
Equipment: Unknown
Company: Logistec USA Inc.
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, Logistec USA Inc. is a cargo handling and port logistics company headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Its network includes 30 ports and 45 terminals that offer marine services, environmental services, water purification and decontamination technologies. The location in Brunswick, Georgia mainly handles wood pellets.
Incident Description:
On May 3, 2021, CBS47 reported an explosion and fire at a wood pellet storage warehouse in Brunswick, Georgia.
Following the explosion, intense flames and heavy smoke were everywhere. Neighbours said they could hear and feel the explosion from blocks away. Many area residents had their gas lines cut while firefighting efforts were underway.
Glynn County EMA and Homeland Security confirmed in a Facebook post that over 100 firefighters and police officers responded. First Coast News also took video footage of the site.
According to the Brunswick Fire Department, the middle of the warehouse collapsed but the ends remained in place. They told reporters that wood pellets were inside and may have created heat at the very bottom.
No injuries were reported. The fire was expected to burn for several more hours.
Research Update:
On June 21, 2021 First Coast News reported that the Georgia Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s preliminary findings suggested that the wood pellets spontaneously combusted after reportedly being stored too high. Investigators also believed that the delay in contacting the Brunswick Fire Department may have allowed the fire to worsen.
After a tour of the facility, OCI found that the warehouses did not meet International Fire Code or National Fire Protection Association standards to operate. Investigators saw several large piles of “cinnamon-like” dust scattered around machinery. The facility also did not have adequate water connections to combat the fire or any future fires.
On August 28, 2021, the Brunswick News reported that the company was now handling peanut shells intended for use as biofuel and livestock feed. The shells are being stored in two sheds near the East River, both about 20,000 square feet in size.
Research Update:
On October 15, 2021, the Brunswick News reported that an insurance company, Tokio Marine American Insurance Co., was suing Logistec for $4.5 million, claiming “grossly negligent acts” that caused the fire.
Previous Incidents:
Brantley County Emergency Management Agency reported on its Facebook page that in July 2015, a large fire destroyed two warehouses at this location.
OSHA Inspections:
An establishment search turned up two OSHA inspections dated September 19, 2019, but they were not flagged for combustible dust.
Sources:
CBS47
Facebook (Glynn County EMA and Homeland Security)
Facebook (Brantley County Emergency Management Agency)
YouTube video (First Coast News)
First Coast News
Brunswick News (August 28, 2021)
Brunswick News (October 15, 2021)
