Plant belonging to Wesward Seafoods. (Photo: Westward Seafoods- You Tube)
Unalaska plant’s explosion apparently caused by fishmeal dust
(UNITED STATES, 9/22/2016)
A Dutch Harbor, Alaska, seafood processing plant was severely damaged by an explosion that was likely caused by the ignition of fine fishmeal dust, though the incident remained under investigation.
The Unalaska-located plant, belonging to Westward Seafoods (part of the group Maruha-Nichiro), was ripped through but he automatic sprinkler system had prevented any fire from starting, according to Unalaska Department of Public Safety.
Public safety director Mike Holman reported that there were several people inside the plant at the time of the explosion, but everyone was able to evacuate safely and there were no injuries, ktuu reported.
A fire investigator is working closely with Westward Seafoods to determine the exact cause of the explosion but so far there’s nothing to indicate that it was suspicious.
For his part, the firm’s President Mark Johanson estimates damages amount to USD 100,000 but Holman says that after further revision, it is likely much higher than that as water damage from the sprinklers destroyed all of the plants electronic instruments, Alaska Dispatch News informed.
Johanson said the fishmeal plant was closed for the time being due to the extent of the damage.
"There's quite a bit of damage inside the building — some of the pipes erupted, and one of the doors was blown off its hinges into a container," Holman said.
Although he recalled that that he has seen two fishmeal dust explosions at Dutch Harbor plants during his 21 years with the department, but those blasts had not been as costly as this one.
The firm president pointed out that one pollock season was wrapping up and the fishmeal plant is not needed in any current fishery openings, stating the company was optimistic the plant will be fully operational in time for another pollock season in January.
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Information of the company:
Address:
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2101 4th Avenue
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City:
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Seattle
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State/ZIP:
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Washington (WA 98121)
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Country:
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United States
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Phone:
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+1 206 682 5949
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Fax:
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+1 206 682 1825
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E-Mail:
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sales@westwardseafoods.com
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