PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria Interim Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger says it’s still complicated putting out the BioUrja plant fires, but he is hopeful it’s about to get easier.
Sollberger says it’s been difficult getting water where it needs to be to put out the fire, so BioUrja has hired a company to try and put some lighter, chemical foam in there. Those efforts began Tuesday night.
“This is a third party. We’re not flowing the foam ourselves,” Sollberger said, indicating BioUrja hired the firm in question. “They’re going to get the nitrogen company where it needs to be. They’re going to get the foam company — which is basically those two companies working together…piercing the side of the silo, and injecting the foam.”
Meantime, Sollberger estimates some two thousand Peoria Fire Department man hours have been put into working the fire.
“We did some pretty simple math,” said Sollberger. “We’ve been down here since Wednesday night, and knowing the amount of manpower that’s required up to this particular point. It just kind of is what it is, so we’re trying to get mesmerized by that. This is what the resources are required to mitigate this, and it’s a very fluid situation.”
And that won’t lessen any time soon, because crews could remain on site now until at least Monday, as demolition of the silos isn’t going to happen as long as there is a fire.
“BioUrja is doing an excellent job,” said Sollberger. “All the engineers on the scene…OSHA is on the scene…and everyone is just putting their heads together,” said Sollberger. “We’re meeting every couple hours to reassess and see where we’re at, and make adjustments as necessary.”
Out-of-town fire departments have provided plenty of mutual aid, and a crew from Chicago has even been on site. Sollberger also praises their involvement.
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