http://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/4584481--freak-explosion-sparks-blaze-destroys-barn/

 

This report starts with “A man was not breaking any rules when a batch of biodiesel he was concocting sparked an explosion and fire that destroyed a big barn near Heidelberg.” It goes on to say “Martin figures he mixed it too soon, which built up pressure, leading to an explosion and fire.”

My comment to him will begin with ‘He may not have been breaking any laws but there are rules about this stuff.‘

 

 

 

CHEMICAL MIX-UP TO BLAME FOR ST. JACOBS BARN FIRE

Tags: Canada, industrial, fire, response, biodiesel

 

A farmhand mixing chemicals accidentally prompted an explosion and fire that destroyed a barn near St. Jacobs, authorities say.

...

Their efforts were hampered by a shortage of water.

Crews had to shuttle tanker trucks down to Conservation Road to refill – a 10-minute round-trip which also left some Waterloo residents with low or no water pressure.

Firefighters then remained at the scene overnight, extinguishing hotspots and ensuring the flames didn’t flare up once again.

Investigators say chemicals were being mixed inside the barn to produce biodiesel fuel.

The barn, which was primarily used for storage, was destroyed.

 

Sheila M. Kennedy, C.H.O.

Safety Coordinator | Teaching Laboratories

Chemistry & Biochemistry |University of California, San Diego

9500 Gilman Dr. | La Jolla, CA  92093-0303

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