A boiler
fire at Pepco's Benning Road power plant created some unique
challenges for D.C. firefighters on Tuesday, June 19th.
Heavy black smoke was issuing the building containing the boiler
when box alarm units arrived at the complex shortly after 7 AM.
The fire primarily involved fuel oil that had spilled from the
boiler, but an initial attack was delayed until it could be
confirmed that no electrical hazards existed. Several
transformers were in the immediate vicinity and potentially
threatened.
Once power was secured and the fuel to the boiler cut off, most
of the oil fire quickly burned off, but pockets of fire remained
in insulation and cabling.
An interior attack proceeded cautiously to extinguish the
remaining fire, but was compounded by asbestos issues and oil
contamination.
The fireboats were called to check the Anacostia River for
potential runoff, but none was found.
Additionally, all firefighters who
entered the building had to be deconned. A large amount of firefighting
gear also had to be cleaned before it could be placed back in service.
Personnel also had to go thru extensive rehab conducted by EMS personnel
in conjunction with the Friendship Fire Association's Rehab and Canteen
units. |
