Plant Fire
A spokesperson for the county's emergency services says there was an explosion at the plant overnight, which started the fire.
The fire alarms went off at 8:45 a.m. in plant three.
The fire only affected an area the size of two parking spaces.
Hydrogen ignited with solid materials stored in a sump. That sump is used to collect waste created during processing. It is then neutralized before disposal.
Kent Stephens from REC Silicon says the company is investigating why the hydrogen caught fire.
Since the fire included chemicals, crews from Grant County Emergency Management, the Washington Department of Ecology and the Moses Lake Fire Department all responded.
Although the fire was quickly contained, the company’s emergency response team chose to activate a telephone notification system that sent a pre-recorded message to nearby residents.
None of the four employees working in plant three Tuesday were injured.
No chemicals were released and the plant was not shut down.
The following is a press release from Grant County Emergency Management:
MOSES LAKE, Wash. - This morning, the emergency brigade at REC Silicon is fighting a fire within the perimeter of the REC Silicon plant, 3322 Rd N-NE, two miles east of Moses Lake. The fire is under control and there is no chemical release.
The Moses Lake Fire Department is supporting the incident by providing additional breathing air tanks for REC Silicon fire brigade members. No other outside emergency support has been requested by REC Silicon.
The GRANT COUNTY TELEPHONE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM has sent out a pre-scripted message to people who live near the REC Silicon plant. This pre-scripted message advises neighboring residents of what is occurring and directs residents to stand by for further information should the situation change.
There have been no injuries reported. Grant County Emergency Management is monitoring this incident. The Washington Department of Ecology is also aware of this incident.
REC Silicon produces solar grade silicon and wafers for solar applications.
Further information will be distributed as it becomes available.
mom_of_3 said on November 3, 2009 at 2:12 PM
My husband works for REC and they are trained for emergencies such as this. I'm sure people will talk bad about this, but things happen. They have acted quickly and efficiently. I'm proud of how they are handling this and that they do prepare their employees.
mom_of_3 said on November 3, 2009 at 2:17 PM
My husband works for REC and they are trained for emergencies such as this. They have acted quickly and efficiently. I'm proud of how they are handling this and that they do prepare their employees.
whawha said on November 3, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Glad it is out and no one was hurt.