By Bruce Garner
While most of us were sleeping, there were some tense moments at afoundryin Chattanooga, Tennessee. Around 1:00 this morning, at the Eureka Foundry at 1601 Reggie White Boulevard, anatural gasline ruptured. The gas found an ignition source and erupted into flames. The Chattanooga Fire Department responded to the scene with six fire companies.
Firefighter Response to Natural Gas Leaks and Emergencies
When firefighters entered the structure, Lt. Charles Waddell with Quint 1 said there were flames approximately 10 to 15 feet high shooting from a ruptured natural gas line on the floor. Firefighters brought in a hand-heldhoseline, but Lt. Waddell instructed the firefighters to hold off on extinguishing the flames until the gas supply was shut off. Otherwise, the gas could build up again, find another ignition source in the building, and cause an explosion.
Firefighters found the shut-off valve and the fire was quickly put out. Before being extinguished, the fire had extended to the wood decking on the roof. Some firefighters got on the roof and used cutting tools to gain access to hot spots in the wood decking. After about an hour on the scene, the firefighters were confident that the fire was completely out.
Natural Gas Meters and Regulators
No injuries were reported. Lt. Andrew Waters with the Fire Investigation Division estimated the dollar loss at $20,000, but that figure could change after employees with Eureka Foundry have more time to assess the damage.
对于最近的查塔努加事件，请考虑Firefighting News: Youngster Badly Burned in Fire Meets Chattanooga (TN) Firefighters Who Saved Him,Firefighting News: Injured Chattanooga (TN) Firefighters Recount Their Ordeal, andChattanooga (TN) Firefighters Brave Frigid Weather to Battle Apartment Fire.
