The massive fire and explosions that destroyed the Outlook Pork feed mill last Tuesday likely started with dust combustion, says the chief of the Nobleford Fire Department.
Those dust explosions likely started the fire, and as the fire built, many barrels filled with canola oil and lard exploded to add to the danger and confusion and spread of the fire. Those explosions, and the threat of weakened superstructure that could tumble down, kept firefighters back.
Nobleford Fire Chief Shane Sherman said he isn’t sure where the fire started, “and we are not likely to find out.”
Sherman said no value of loss has been established.
He is uncertain how the fire actually started. “It didn’t get too investigative because it was an explosion.”
Sherman’s report has been submitted to the Alberta Fire Commissioner in Edmonton.