Dust Explosion Eyed as Cause of Fire at Feed MillDust Explosion Eyed as Cause of Fire at Feed Mill

Officials said a grain dust explosion is being considered as the cause of a fire that broke out at the MCF Feedyards mill in Brooks, AB on Wednesday, according to a report in the Brooks Bulletin. Three workers were reportedly rescued during the incident after they became stuck on a 100-ft high landing.

Firefighters were dispatched to the Range Road facility after the blast occurred at about 1:15 p.m., deputy fire chief Ben Yokoyama told the newspaper. Crews used an arial ladder to reach the trapped workers and then they were taken to a medical facility.

The fire department has returned to the scene several times since the explosion to douse hot spots, the Bulletin’s coverage said. MCF Feedyards’ facility sustained smoke damage inside the structure.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire has been opened by local fire officials and Alberta Occupational Health and Safety.