At approximately 9 a.m. on July 22, EPA Region 8 emergency response program received notice from North Dakota Department of Public Health of a major chemical fire involving the Red River Supply warehouse in Williston, North Dakota (site). The chemical fire started at approximately 1 a.m. that morning and had been burning intensely since. Concerns at the site include public exposure to the smoke plume, contaminated runoff to storm water, and potential impacts to the the Little Muddy River and the Missouri River. Due to the nature of the fire, which involved significant quantities of chemicals, the local fire department attending the fire decided to let the fire burn itself out with minimal use of water for fire suppression. The city put out an advisory for residents within one half-mile of the site to either evacuate or shelter in place. The phone duty EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) discussed emergency air monitoring needs with the health department. The 81st Civil Support Team was en route to assist in air monitoring at the time. At approximately 10 a.m. OSC Paul Peronard was deployed to the site to provide additional emergency air monitoring equipment and assistance.
