Polymer plant fire quickly contained
More than 12 fire companies responded to a fire at National Polymers Inc. in Speers Industrial Park Saturday afternoon.
A fire broke out Saturday afternoon inside the National Polymers plant in Speers Industrial Park, but was brought under control before reaching chemicals that were stored there. No injuries were reported.
The blaze began about 1:30 p.m. and was contained within 30 to 45 minutes, according to Charleroi fire Chief Bob Whiten Jr. He said damage was confined to a small area inside the plant on Guttman Avenue, and attributed that to efficient operation of the sprinklers.
“The sprinkler system kept everything intact.”
Whiten said the fire was not suspicious – “it appears to be accident.” The plant is off Interstate 70 near the Monongahela River.
The facility is headquarters for National Polymers Inc., a private label manufacturer of concrete restoration, protective flooring and roofing products for industrial and commercial applications. It is a global company.
Although he estimated the cost of the damage at about $300,000, the fire could have been much worse Whiten said.
“It’s a Sara facility, with chemicals,” he said. “There is an imminent danger. You can have the smallest fire and there will be fumes, which can cause problems.”
Washington County Hazardous Materials Response Team responded along with 12 fire companies. The firefighting units were from Belle Vernon, Bentleyville, Charleroi, Fallowfield, Lock No. 4, Monessen No.1, New Eagle, North Belle Vernon, Rostraver Central, Stockdale and Valley Inn. Greensburg was in enroute, but was canceled and Roscoe was on standby.
Mon Valley Emergency Medical responded as well.