2013 Off to a Rough Start With Grain Dust Fires and Explosions

At less than a full week into the year, grain facilities are seeing a rattling start to the year with grain dust fires and explosions. On January 2nd, a welding project in the basement of an Aprin, Wisconsin grain business sparked a fire in the grain bin. The next day, a fire destroyed a grain elevator in Ada, Minnesota, while firefighters drained the town’s water supply twice trying to put out the flames. Then, today, a livestock feed business was heavily damaged by fire in Fremont, MI.

Grain is a well-known hazard for combustible dust, and it is important to take precautions to prevent dust fires and dust explosions. Eliminating dust accumulations using proper equipment and engineering controls can help prevent combustible dust incidents.

More grain dust fire incidents:

No injuries reported at early-morning Newaygo County barn fire

Large Fire Destroys Grain Elevator In NW Minn.

Arpin fire damages feed mill

Fire contained at Jones County feed mill

One injured in grain elevator fire

2 Hurt in Grain Elevator Explosion in Tracy, Minn.

Preston feed mill still operating despite fire

For more information on combustible dust fire and explosion prevention, call 888-845-3952, or visit www.hughesenv.com