Pressure Venting Saves Canadian Grain Elevator From Blast

Firefighters responded to an explosion and fire on the roof of a pellet plant elevator Sunday afternoon in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

At about 1 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to the Richardson International Terminal on the shores of Lake Superior. First responders on the scene reported heavy black smoke and fire coming from the roof of the terminal’s elevator, Net News Ledger reports.

A second alarm was ordered bringing an additional five pumpers and two aerial ladders to the scene. Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used ropes to hoist fire hose to the terminal’s roof, the website reports.

A dust filtration system equipped with explosion venting protects the elevator, the website states. In the event of a combustible dust explosion, the vents pop open at a specified pressure within milliseconds of the blast to limit internal stress on the overall structure. The pressure is released through the vents and into the open air outside.

According to the company website, the Richardson International terminal is one of Canada’s top handlers of durum wheat, feed peas and oats. The terminals are the furthest inland port terminals connecting western Canada to the Atlantic Ocean.

No injuries were reported.