Quincy, MA, – The fire investigations unit for the nonprofit NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has released findings from the August 2000 fire that destroyed a multi-tenanted warehouse building. Factors that may have contributed to the fire include lack of segregation between oxidizers and other incompatible materials, lack of proper storage configuration for oxidizers, and inadequate sprinkler protection. Property damage from the fire is estimated at more than $100 million.
The fire began in the building’s home and garden supply area, which stored a dangerous combination of oxidizers, such as pool chemicals, as well as fertilizers and pesticides. At approximately 5 p.m., less than one hour after workers left for the day, smoke was spotted coming from the home and garden portion of the warehouse. At the same time, employees from the pharmaceutical distribution operation, who also occupied the building, heard banging noises from that area.
The Phoenix Fire Department arrived at the scene within minutes after the fire was reported. Portions of the outer walls of the building were collapsing and the fire was spreading rapidly. Fire department units extinguished the four-alarm fire by the next morning. Five firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. More than 80 civilians from surrounding neighborhoods were evacuated from their homes, but were allowed to return the next day.
According to NFPA’s report, the Phoenix warehouse fire represents one in a series of incidents over the past few years involving improper storage of chemicals. Each resulted in serious or total property damage and, in some cases, multiple firefighter fatalities. “While each of the warehouse or bulk retail fires we’ve investigated involved a unique set of circumstances, inadequate storage of oxidizers and other chemicals has been the common theme among them all,” said Robert Duval, senior fire investigator for NFPA.
Duval emphasized the importance of properly handling and storing oxidizers to maintain building and occupant safety. “When contaminated, oxidizers can give off a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. Gross contamination of these materials can cause exothermic or explosive reactions,” he said. “That’s why proper storage and configuration of these chemicals is key.” He also noted that these types of fires pose unique hazards for firefighters.
Investigation into the cause of the Phoenix warehouse fire continues as of release of the report. A summary of the report findings, as well as other investigative reports, can be found at www.nfpa.org.
NFPA’s fire investigations department documents significant fire incidents throughout the world. The objective of the investigations is to determine what lessons can be learned from the incidents. Information then is made available to the fire safety community and is used in developing and updating codes and standards.
