Longview- Multiple organizations are continuing to monitor and investigate the aftermath of the fire incident at Millennium Bulk Logistics that occurred last night at around 6:30pm. The Department of Ecology (WDOE), Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency (SWCAA), and the Cowlitz County Health and Human Services are determining the potential environmental and health impacts from the blaze. Investigators from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue are still determining a cause and are evaluating what materials were involved in the structure.
There were many concerns that a 500 gallon tank of sulfuric acid, used to treat storm water runoff, was involved in the fire. Fire officials have confirmed that this tank was not involved in the fire nor has it been compromised in any way. At this point it appears that only normal industrial building materials (foam insulation, plastic piping, and standard construction materials) were involved in combustion. The structure (approximately 150 foot by 100 foot) was constructed of steel and did contain some interior partitions.
Assistant Chief and Safety Officer of the incident Alan Headley comments, “The initial effort was to contain the fire and reduce the amount of smoke dispersed. Our crews directing water streams into to the smoke column to reduce heat and contaminants released. We’re very thankful nobody was injured. The Millennium representatives on scene were very cooperative and helpful during the incident.”
WDOE is working with Millennium environmental staff to evaluate and manage fire suppression water. They have stated that the majority of the water used to suppress the fire is contained within the water treatment facility’s containment structures and that all of their emergency protocols have been followed. They are not aware of any releases to outside water sources and Millennium staff has installed back-up pH and flow equipment to monitor the discharge at Outfall 002A. “We made observations and talked with fishermen downstream. No evidence of ash or charred material was found. The river is running very high and fast. We don’t think any additional water monitoring or sampling is required, stated Jim Sachet, SW Region Spill Manager for the WDOE.
SWCAA technicians are on scene at the facility and are continuing to monitor the air for any harmful particulates. SWCAA monitors air quality for SW Washington. St. John’s medical center has been contacted and report that only six people requested medical evaluation for minor respiratory irritations. Bob Elliott, executive director of the SWWCA, said he had been in touch with Cowlitz Emergency Management officials about the fire. Based on the acidic smell of the smoke, it sounded like it contained "some level of toxic air pollutants," he said. “Staying indoors was the correct recommendation by the Sheriff," Elliott said Tuesday night. "The investigation of the fire is going to help tell us more."
According to Dr. Jennifer Vines of the Cowlitz County Health and Human Services Department, regarding the burning of plastics, insulation, and Styrofoam. “The most immediate potential
health effects are eye, throat and lung irritation from particulates, which are tiny particles (smaller across than a human hair) that result from incomplete burning. Individuals with heart or lung problems like congestive heart failure (CHF), asthma, or emphysema (COPD) are more sensitive to these particles and may want to stay indoors until the particulates clear out of the air naturally. Anyone with symptoms severe eye irritation or breathing trouble should seek medical care. In general, natural air currents tend to dissipate pollutants over hours to days, so exposure to particulates and potential toxins is limited.”
Millennium Bulk Logistics Longview Terminal is an existing alumina export terminal which is proposed to be modified to incorporate a new coal export facility and equipment for cement products imports and distribution. The terminal is located near Longview in Washington State. The company proposing the new facilities, Millennium Bulk Terminals (MBT), is a subsidiary of Ambre Energy, an Australian resources company. Millennium officials say the facility would create about 70 permanent jobs and generate $1.5 million in state and local tax revenues annually, double that during construction, which is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Millennium CEO, Joe Cannon, was already scheduled to arrive in the United States today for other business.
Contact Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Alan Headley at (360) 957-2698 with any questions.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Lost in Translation
Here in DEM, we try to mean what we say and say what we mean. But what if you don't know what we mean? We got some calls earlier today from people that received our automated call regarding the fire and the direction to Shelter-in-Place. The reverse call indicated to stay indoors and shut windows, but if you didn't hear the message, you may not know what we meant. Here are the basics:
* Go indoors immediately
* Close off nonessential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms, and extra bedrooms
* Close all doors and windows
* Turn off any air conditioning or furnaces
* If smoke begins to seep in under doors and windows, seal gaps and cracks under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape
* If you are told there may be a danger of explosion near your area, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from the windows. If windows break due to the explosion, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your home.
* Remain indoors until an all-clear message is given via phone, radio, television or computer
* Go indoors immediately
* Close off nonessential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms, and extra bedrooms
* Close all doors and windows
* Turn off any air conditioning or furnaces
* If smoke begins to seep in under doors and windows, seal gaps and cracks under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape
* If you are told there may be a danger of explosion near your area, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from the windows. If windows break due to the explosion, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your home.
* Remain indoors until an all-clear message is given via phone, radio, television or computer
Dispatches from Disaster, Part III
Here is the last installment from my questions to Linda Coordes who responded to the tornado devastation in Alabama. To see the previous posts click here and here.
I asked Linda what she thought was the most beneficial training that she had received that helped her with the disaster response.
The CERT training really helped me understand the steps and protocol of the response. The search and rescue markings were familiar and therefore less intimidating. The incident command system was easier to understand. The first aid training gave me confidence as I ventured into unfamiliar and sometimes downright dangerous territory. Both CERT and Red Cross emphasized the importance of being prepared to take care of my own needs. This was critical. Basic necessities we take for granted are often unavailable in the field. When they can be obtained they are first directed to the victims. I was told to take EVERYTHING I might need, I did, and I was thankful. The Red Cross training specifically helped me understand my role and expectations as a Red Cross volunteer. It offered scope, structure, and purpose to my experience. Since I deployed in the area of Disaster Mental Health I also used my education and experience as a Licensed Social Worker. So in a nutshell, I was able to combine my background and who I already am as a person and a professional with new skills acquired through CERT and Red Cross to really make a difference for someone in crisis. I would definitely encourage anyone who wants to do disaster relief work to do so under the umbrella of a well-established volunteer organization (VOAD). Having recognizable identification makes all the difference in gaining access to affected areas. Having the infrastructure of the Red Cross provided the security, safety, and resources necessary to do the job I set out to do.
I also asked her what additional training or experience would she have liked to have had prior to responding.
Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility…can you teach that? Nothing short of experience could have prepared me for the amount of flexibility required to preserve my sanity. My new motto: “It is what it is…” There is so much you have no control over, and that includes your own personal comfort. In the midst of a disaster relief operation you may or may not have your own basic needs met. You may or may not be able to provide what the victims really need. You have to draw on every ounce of compassion, understanding, and patience you possess…not only for the victims but for the other responders as well. Take a good sense of humor and a large dose of self-care. I’m not sure how to teach it, but it’s essential to survival. I guess you just have to live it, and then share what you can…learn from each new experience. Maybe being a rookie was a good thing, I had no expectations (or at least none that were realistic) and everybody said “every disaster is different”. Nobody with experience could compare this response operation to any other. Maybe that in itself is the voice of experience, understanding that everything you experience will be new and different. Don’t make any plans that cannot be easily changed each and every step of the way.
We are so proud of our local volunteers doing great work! If you are interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer and responding to disasters in our area and all over world, click here for more information.
I asked Linda what she thought was the most beneficial training that she had received that helped her with the disaster response.
The CERT training really helped me understand the steps and protocol of the response. The search and rescue markings were familiar and therefore less intimidating. The incident command system was easier to understand. The first aid training gave me confidence as I ventured into unfamiliar and sometimes downright dangerous territory. Both CERT and Red Cross emphasized the importance of being prepared to take care of my own needs. This was critical. Basic necessities we take for granted are often unavailable in the field. When they can be obtained they are first directed to the victims. I was told to take EVERYTHING I might need, I did, and I was thankful. The Red Cross training specifically helped me understand my role and expectations as a Red Cross volunteer. It offered scope, structure, and purpose to my experience. Since I deployed in the area of Disaster Mental Health I also used my education and experience as a Licensed Social Worker. So in a nutshell, I was able to combine my background and who I already am as a person and a professional with new skills acquired through CERT and Red Cross to really make a difference for someone in crisis. I would definitely encourage anyone who wants to do disaster relief work to do so under the umbrella of a well-established volunteer organization (VOAD). Having recognizable identification makes all the difference in gaining access to affected areas. Having the infrastructure of the Red Cross provided the security, safety, and resources necessary to do the job I set out to do.
I also asked her what additional training or experience would she have liked to have had prior to responding.
Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility…can you teach that? Nothing short of experience could have prepared me for the amount of flexibility required to preserve my sanity. My new motto: “It is what it is…” There is so much you have no control over, and that includes your own personal comfort. In the midst of a disaster relief operation you may or may not have your own basic needs met. You may or may not be able to provide what the victims really need. You have to draw on every ounce of compassion, understanding, and patience you possess…not only for the victims but for the other responders as well. Take a good sense of humor and a large dose of self-care. I’m not sure how to teach it, but it’s essential to survival. I guess you just have to live it, and then share what you can…learn from each new experience. Maybe being a rookie was a good thing, I had no expectations (or at least none that were realistic) and everybody said “every disaster is different”. Nobody with experience could compare this response operation to any other. Maybe that in itself is the voice of experience, understanding that everything you experience will be new and different. Don’t make any plans that cannot be easily changed each and every step of the way.
We are so proud of our local volunteers doing great work! If you are interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer and responding to disasters in our area and all over world, click here for more information.
Flash Alert
Many organizations including law enforcement, fire departments, and school districts have recently added the Flash Alert service which allows news media and community members to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, public education, and emergency incident messages.
This service is free to join; to add the Flash Alert News Service just log on to www.flashalert.net. Then click “Portland” on the map to the right and choose which organizations from which you would like to receive notifications (your local fire and police, Dept. of Emergency Management, schools, etc.).
There you can subscribe to emergency alerts and news releases. Just type in your e-mail address and follow the steps to create your account in just a few minutes. You can add up to two e-mail addresses and have messages sent directly to your cell phone. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation e-mail or text message with a three letter validation code. Input this code, click update, and you’re done!
Police and fire departments, schools, and other government organizations use these services to get information out to media and their communities such as school closures, weather emergencies, and breaking news. Flash alert started primarily in the Northwest by journalist Craig Walker and has now branched out to seven states.
This service is free to join; to add the Flash Alert News Service just log on to www.flashalert.net. Then click “Portland” on the map to the right and choose which organizations from which you would like to receive notifications (your local fire and police, Dept. of Emergency Management, schools, etc.).
There you can subscribe to emergency alerts and news releases. Just type in your e-mail address and follow the steps to create your account in just a few minutes. You can add up to two e-mail addresses and have messages sent directly to your cell phone. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation e-mail or text message with a three letter validation code. Input this code, click update, and you’re done!
Police and fire departments, schools, and other government organizations use these services to get information out to media and their communities such as school closures, weather emergencies, and breaking news. Flash alert started primarily in the Northwest by journalist Craig Walker and has now branched out to seven states.
Emergency Calls
Many residents have called or emailed with concerns about why they were not included in the emergency reverse calling that was sent out last night regarding the industrial fire. The smoke plume was traveling west to east, so the decision was made to contact the 7,000 residents that were in the travel path of the initial smoke plume. As to the timeliness of the call, the ECNS system is capable of calling all of the landlines in the county, however it can only make a certain number of calls at a time and it takes time for all numbers included in the map to be called. The calls were made in a geographic area to areas that were closest to the smoke.
If you would like more information, please feel free to send us an email at DEM@co.cowlitz.wa.us, call the office at 577-3130 or for more information from Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, call 578-5218.
More information on health effects from the smoke will be coming shortly.
If you would like more information, please feel free to send us an email at DEM@co.cowlitz.wa.us, call the office at 577-3130 or for more information from Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, call 578-5218.
More information on health effects from the smoke will be coming shortly.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Since you're already here...
If you're new to the blog, take a minute to look around, get acquainted with us, check out some of the older posts. Perhaps register your cellphone with the Emergency Community Notification System (ECNS) to receive emergency alerts--move your eyes to the right (you may have to scroll up a ways) to the ALERT Cowlitz County icon. See it? Our ECNS is capable of calling landlines in Cowlitz County, but you have to manually register your cellphone to receive alerts such as the ones received tonight by people in West Longview. If you only have a cellphone, you could be missing important emergency information if your cell phone is not registered.
You could also sign up to receive emergency information by text. All you have to do is text: Follow CowlitzDEM to the number 40404 and you will get anything sent out by our emergency info Twitter account.
If you have a Twitter account, you can follow us @CowlitzDEM and @CowlitzDEMChat. The first account is for emergency information, the second is more informal and is where we send out information on preparedness, events and other non-emergency info.
You could also sign up to receive emergency information by text. All you have to do is text: Follow CowlitzDEM to the number 40404 and you will get anything sent out by our emergency info Twitter account.
If you have a Twitter account, you can follow us @CowlitzDEM and @CowlitzDEMChat. The first account is for emergency information, the second is more informal and is where we send out information on preparedness, events and other non-emergency info.
Updated Updated Update
Update 10:05pm
The recommendation to shelter in place has been lifted. There is a hazmat team on scene working with local fire agencies that are still on site. The water run off in the suppression efforts are contained on site. The materials that were involved in the fire were plastics and insulation in the building. Fire investigators will be onsite monitoring the situation and beginning the investigation surrounding the cause and origin of the fire. The road closures are lifted.
The recommendation to shelter in place has been lifted. There is a hazmat team on scene working with local fire agencies that are still on site. The water run off in the suppression efforts are contained on site. The materials that were involved in the fire were plastics and insulation in the building. Fire investigators will be onsite monitoring the situation and beginning the investigation surrounding the cause and origin of the fire. The road closures are lifted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)