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Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management Crisis and Emergency Management Newsletter Website |
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March
2007
Volume
12 - Number 3 |
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Response to the chemical leak in Kansas City By John J. McCracken, III On February 8, 2007 a fire started
which destroyed the ChemCentral plant. UPI reported that Craig Nienhueser,
a superintendent at the ChemCentral plant, stated, “one of my guys heard a
hissing sound, and then he got knocked back” when he was investigating the
source of the sound.
As is often the case, those at the scene took immediate action to evacuate the area, warn others of the danger, and report the incident to local authorities. In this case, all workers were able to evacuate once they determined the explosion and resulting fire were beyond their capability to control, they warned nearby residences and businesses and reported the incident to local fire and police authorities. They were further able to provide a listing of chemicals and quantities of those chemicals that were at the site to responders. First Responders under the direction of Fire Chief Richard Dryer, with the assistance of local Police, ordered evacuation of a one-square-mile area around the plant. Response turned into a three alarm fire. Due to the quantity and type of chemicals and the risk of additional explosions, firemen used foam fire-fighting agent to contain the fire and allowed it to burn out. After nine-hours of containment they were able to extinguish the fire and search for hot-spots. While the fire was burning, it billowed smoke that could be seen for at least 30 miles. Emergency responders from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources were able to determine that the smoke did not present a significant risk to human health. Responders were able to make this information available through use of the media and press conferences. No specific information was available from media sources regarding command structure, inter-agency cooperation, nor communication that resulted in Environmental Protection Agency involvement. However, internet announcements regarding school closings and establishment of temporary lodging facilities for those displaced by the evacuation order were used. |