A fire erupted at the plastics recycling facility located on the Wrigley Charcoal Superfund Site property on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. OSCs Steve Spurlin and Kevin Eichinger were deployed as well as START TTEMI and ERRS CMC. The fire is continuing to burn. Due to initial concerns of flame impingement on multiple large (1,000 gallon) propane tanks within the burning building responders retreated to safer positions. START, local Fire Dept, and ERRS made a modified level B entry to determine plan of action when ERRS equipment arrived later in the night. During the entry it was determined that the fire did not pose a risk to the propane tanks. EPA has conducted air monitoring throughout the night. Air monitoring is occurring at the work zone and a fixed locations approx 0.8 miles downwind. Additionally, EPA is utilizing roving, mobile air monitoring to check areas of interest, including schools, day cares, hotel areas further downwind then 0.8 miles. Elevated particulate levels have been detected within the 1 mile downwind areas. A 1.5 mile evacuation remains in place and after consultation with the Unified Command, Hickman School system elected to keep schools in down gradient plume area closed on Thursday, December 19, 2013. EPA ERRS contractor is utilizing equipment to spread soils trucked in from offsite. The soils will be used to smother the fire. Due to large area of burning material it is anticipated the EPA operations will continue for multiple days. Local Fire Departments are providing standby fire support for EPA contractors working in the hot zone. Media attention continues to be high. Unified Command consists of EPA, TEMA, County EMA, State Health, Law Enforcement, and multiple fire jurisdictions.
