The Lloydminster Fire Department (LFD) is keeping alert, after having to deal with a fire call at the ADM canola plant early yesterday evening.
The call began around 4:00 p.m. on Monday, with reports of a large canola bin at the plant with smoldering product inside. Both the LFD and members of the Lloydminster RCMP responded to the scene, entering the grounds of the plant and setting up near the bin, which had smoke visibly pouring from the top.
Once firefighters were able to get their aerial truck in place to spray the top of the bin, the fire was brought under control. They then remained on scene, cooling down the bin, for the next hour and a half.
According to a public statement issued by ADM on the incident, work had been underway for the past several days to remove material from the bin, and dispose of it properly. LFD Fire Chief Jordan Newton also told 106.1 The Goat he had been briefed by ADM on Friday about the possibility of a fire taking place at the plant.
Newton said that ADM has been keeping him up to date since the fire, and he expects no danger to the public. As for why the material in the bin began to smolder in the first place, Newton said there was always a chance of that happening.
“Any time a product breaks down, same with compost, when it’s wet, when it starts breaking down it gives off heat, and that can actually cause a product to smolder,” said Newton.
Newton also said there was a minimal chance of a full-on fire occurring. The incident also marked the second time the new aerial truck has been used by the LFD.
“It was good exercise,” said Newton.
“The new capabilities of this truck allow us to get into tighter positions. We don’t like ever like using our trucks, but when they are needed, and called into action, it’s great to have that equipment.”
According to ADM’s public statement, the material is anticipated to be fully off-site by the end of the week.
