In the ensuing discussion the board members were simply happy that equipment was all that was lost.
Metsker told the board that the department had lost equipment totaling around $16,000 and a claim had been filed with the company’s insurance provider. Metsker also informed the board that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the State Fire Marshall had been provided with information by his department as they continue to investigate the blaze.
It appears that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will also become involved in an investigation of the fire.
Board member Wayne Smith asked Metsker if the department was aware of a business operating in the building.
Metsker said that not only had no authorities been notified of the building being in use, they also had no idea what was inside the building.
“There was no signage or any other indication of anyone occupying the building,” said Metsker. He also said that firefighters first on the scene also had no idea that there were six, 500-gallon tanks containing diesel fuel and gasoline. The tanks were unmarked and stored inside the building.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire to half of the structure – Smith congratulating Metsker and the PFD for their great work containing “…a potentially dangerous situation.”
Metsker said his crew had a “…terrific water supply…” in the area and stated that their concern after the fire was contained was about what was washing out of the building.
He said that Sanitary Superintendant Donnie Davidson, as well as IDEM, were immediately notified about the hazardous chemicals discovered on the premises and the possibility of their seeping into a drain in the structure.
IDEM has sealed the drain as their investigation continues.
Councilman Chuck Ripley engaged a discussion about city regulation of businesses that operate with hazardous chemicals. In this instance, Ideal was not required to apply for permits of any kind when moving into the building since they did no remodeling or other modification to the structure requiring a building permit.
Metsker said that most companies do inform city officials if hazardous chemicals are in use at their facilities, but he would be happy to have such regulation if it could be agreed on.
The City Council will discuss some sort of regulation that would require notification and permits for such an operation so that emergency responders will know what awaits them in such a case.