UPDATE: Wood preservative was in AmeriTies tank that burned in The Dalles tonight, March 9 at 10:30 p.m.
Fire at Amerities in The Dalles Photo by Nick Reyes
March 9, 10:30 p.m. From Wasco County Sheriff‘s Office:
A fire was reported to 911 Dispatch at 8:00 PM at the AmeriTies West plant located at 100 Tie Plant Road.
Around 8:29 PM, an explosion occurred in a copper naphthenate diesel tank that had been taken out of service earlier in the day to be cleaned.
QNAP copper naphthenate is a copper-based, oil-borne wood preservative. It is a replacement for creosote in railroad ties and as a replacement for pentachlorophenol in utility poles, according to Nisus Corp. Copper naphthenate is classified by EPA as a general-use (i.e., a non-restricted use) pesticide by virtue of its relatively benign toxicity profile, according to Wikipedia. - Tom Peterson
Two firefighters were injured during the explosion and are in good condition at Mid-Columbia Medical Center. Responding units include Mid-Columbia Fire Rescue Engine 21 and Engine 22, Mid-Columbia Fire Rescue Medic 22 and 23, Dallesport Fire Engine 635, The City of the Dalles Police and the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office. The fire is contained and units are still on the scene.
From Wasco County Sheriff:
9:45 PM Update: A fire was reported to 911 Dispatch at 8:00 PM at the AmeriTies West plant located at 100 Tie Plant Road. Around 8:29 PM, an explosion occurred in a copper naphthenate diesel tank that had been taken out of service earlier in the day to be cleaned.
Two firefighters were injured during the explosion and are in good condition at MCMC. Responding units include Mid-Columbia Fire Rescue Engine 21 and Engine 22, Mid-Columbia Fire Rescue Medic 22 and 23, Dallesport Fire Engine 635, The City of the Dalles Police and the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office. The fire is contained and units are is still on the scene.
This is a developing story we’re covering from the ground and will add to this post as information is available.
There are early reports of the sound of an explosion in The Dalles tonight at the Amerities plant in east The Dalles, Oregon.
More developments to come.
