Fire at Lehigh Portland Cement
 
By Captain Christopher Harris
June 27, 2016
 

Box 8-7. At 1954 hours, a "Box Alarm" assignment was dispatched for a 'Building Fire', reported to be a compressor on fire in a building, at the Lehigh Portland Cement Plant in Union Bridge. Upon response, units were advised to use the "Main Street Entrance". Chief 8 (Green) arrived at the "Mill Grinding Building" at 1959 hours, where employees advised that the fire had been 'knocked down' with fire extinguishers, but because the metal pipes and equipment were so hot, they could not fully extinguish the fire.

Chief 8 established "Lehigh Command" as Engine 81 arrived. An 1 3/4" Attack Line was stretched into the building while employees secured the electric to the equipment. Water was applied slowly to avoid rapid cooling of the super heated metal, which could cause an explosive reaction. The crew from Rescue Squad 8 closed a cross-over valve to shut off any additional flow of air in the system, while the crew from Engine 102 was tasked with ventilation of the building.

As the immediate danger was over within 5 minutes of arrival, "Lehigh Command" held Engine 81, Engine 102, Rescue Squad 8 and Paramedic 89 for overhaul and ventilation, while all other units were placed in-service.

The compressor equipment involved, pumps air to move cement through the grinding mills. It is unknown what caused the fire, which will be investigated by officials at Lehigh. Units remained on location for about 50 minutes to insure the fire was completely extinguished and that all smoke had been removed from the building. No injuries were reported.

Units On-Scene: E81, RS8, PM89, Chief 8 (Union Bridge); E102, B105, HM30 (New Windsor)

Units Enroute: ET54, L5 (Taneytown); TW3, CS3 (Westminster); FCRE171 (Libertytown)
 
Box 8-7. The fire was located in and on the compressor located at the back corner of the room. The valve located above the ladder was closed, which effectively allowed the fire to be extinguished in the pipe.
Box 8-7. The fire was located in and on the compressor located at the back corner of the room. The valve located above the ladder was closed, which effectively allowed the fire to be extinguished in the pipe.
Box 8-7. The compressor pumps air to move cement through the grinding mills.
Box 8-7. The compressor pumps air to move cement through the grinding mills.
 
Box 8-7. The majority of fire was located in this area of the equipment, including inside of the pipe.
Box 8-7. The majority of fire was located in this area of the equipment, including inside of the pipe.
Box 8-7. Ventilation was setup in two locations.
Box 8-7. Ventilation was setup in two locations.
 
Box 8-7. Fire at Lehigh in the "Mill Grinding Building"
Box 8-7. Fire at Lehigh in the "Mill Grinding Building"
Box 8-7
Box 8-7
 
Box 8-7. Crews finish picking up hose and equipment after the fire.
Box 8-7. Crews finish picking up hose and equipment after the fire.