Oil fire put out at REC Silicon

MOSES LAKE — Fire crews were able to extinguish an oil fire at REC Silicon early Friday morning. There was no adverse risks to the public and no harmful chemicals were released.

REC’s fire brigade, with assistance from the Moses Lake Fire Department and Grant County Fire District No. 5, responded to the fire in a natural gas-fueled oil heater at the REC plant about 7:30 a.m. The oil burned in a closed loop system and was not attached to the business’s chemical processors, according to REC spokesman James Bowen.

Crews at the scene were able to extinguish the fire in about two hours and responders gave the “all clear” sign about 10:15 a.m., which signified the emergency response to the fire was over, stated the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Bowen explained that REC’s internal emergency squad, which is specifically trained to handle emergencies like the one on Friday, extinguished the fire, with crews from Moses Lake and GCFD No. 5 providing on-scene support.

“There was no chemical release and no chemical danger to public,” Bowen said. “No one was hurt, so we are very fortunate that it was all put out with no risk to the public.”

Outside gates at the plant were closed as a precaution until the all clear notice was sent out at 10:15 a.m., with employees then allowed to enter the plant. REC crews will be conducting a damage assessment in the following days and will be working to make repairs.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.