Clinton Township, Michigan – Officials in Clinton Township gave an update on Friday regarding a significant industrial fire and explosion which tragically resulted in the death of a 19-year-old individual on Monday night.
According to reports, there are still areas on the property near 15 Mile and Groesbeck where the fire occurred that are experiencing ongoing combustion. Firefighters have been tirelessly working four to six hours a day, utilizing 2 million gallons of water to combat the blaze. The presence of a steel pile has made it challenging to fully extinguish the remaining hot spots.
Fire Chief Tim Duncan mentioned the difficulties in accessing the smoldering areas, highlighting the necessity for specialized equipment to reach these stubborn hot spots. The situation remains complex due to the nature of the fire, requiring careful and strategic efforts to fully contain it.
Authorities have issued a warning to the public, advising against handling any canisters that were dispersed in the vicinity for miles around the site of the explosion. It is crucial to avoid contact with any shrapnel from the exploded canisters for safety reasons.
Additionally, it was emphasized by Fire Chief Duncan that discussions with the ATF representatives revealed significant concerns, leading to delays in certain aspects of the investigation. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) personnel are currently on the scene, with more expected to arrive in the following days to assist with the ongoing operations in the area.
Individuals who have experienced damage as a result of the fire and explosion are encouraged to report it by contacting the designated phone number at 586-469-5022. The cleanup efforts are anticipated to continue for an extended period, underlining the gravity of the situation and the extensive work ahead to restore normalcy to the affected area.