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Chemical Fire Injures 12 Firefighters
March 24, 2008

A chemical fire that raged on Sunday afternoon on Claudina Way in Anaheim, California, left large amounts of chemical residue on the streets. Businesses have been closed while a private contracting company attempts to clean up the residue.

The fire apparently broke out at about 4 pm on Sunday next to five chemical tanks near the Alstyle Dyeing and Finishing Company at 500 E Cerritos Avenue. At least one 4000-gallon hydrogen peroxide tank and two 1000-gallon phosphoric acid tanks were involved in the fire. These chemicals are known oxidizers and their presence helped fan the flames helping the fire to spread faster. At least 100 firefighters from all over Orange County were brought in to control the blaze. The fire was brought under control in just under one hour. Damage was said to be restricted to the outside of the 50,000 square foot building, and the damage was limited to the tanks and the loading areas.

While damage was restricted to the immediate vicinity, this could have turned into a major disaster. At least 12 firefighters were injured with mild to moderate injuries in the blaze. They were reports of some firefighters suffering from chemical burns and respiratory irritation. It was not known whether these injuries were caused by the fire or by the chemical that was released in the fire. Hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching agent.

There are no confirmations about what caused the fire but initial reports from the Orange County Register did point to a grass fire next to a commercial building that spread and caused the chemical tank to explode. At least one tank of 4000 gallons of hydrogen peroxide was believed to have been ruptured in the blast.

As cleanup operations began, the entire stretch of Anaheim Way from Katella Avenue to Anaheim Boulevard has been closed. At least 20 businesses have been affected while the clean up process is under way.

Hydrogen peroxide is a useful and, to a large extent, safe chemical that is used in many applications in residential and commercial purposes. It is used as a household cleaner, as an antiseptic and has dozens of other uses. But in higher concentrations such as those that have been seen in the chemical fire explosion, hydrogen peroxide can cause fires and explosions. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in household cleaners or bleaching agents is so small it isn't likely to harm you, but when the concentration is as high as is seen in industrial accidents and fires, the inhalation of these fumes is enough to cause injuries severe enough to warrant hospitalization.

The coming days are sure to give us new clues about the origin of the fire that caused the chemical tank explosion.

If you have been injured in a fire or an explosion, you need the help of an experienced California personal injury attorney. Contact a lawyer at The Reeves Law Group for a free consultation.

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