Fire breaks out at Midland flour mill

Midland Mirror

MIDLAND Firefighters spent several hours Tuesday afternoon extinguishing a fire at ADM Milling Co. on Midlands waterfront.

The flour mill was safely evacuated prior to the fire departments arrival just after lunchtime, said Chief Kevin Foster.

The sprinkler system had activated, which helped to contain the fire, he said, adding the scene was cleared by 6 p.m.

The fire in the facilitys dust-collection system also spread to the roof area. Foster said the investigation has yet to determine a cause.

Because flour dust can be highly explosive under the right conditions, Foster said the potential danger was something that crews took into account.

Its always a consideration and something we have to be concerned about, he said. The sprinkler system in there will assist with that; not only will it start to control the fire itself, but, obviously, once things start to become wet, the dust itself is controlled.

About 24 Midland firefighters and five trucks, plus six personnel from Penetanguishene, attended the scene.

Foster tipped his hat to ADM officials for quickly getting everyone out of the building.

Evacuation planning is just as important at your place of work as it is at your home, he said.

See the original post here:
Fire breaks out at Midland flour mill