Chemical fire causes partial building collapse at OMNIS Bailey building in Washington County
WEST FINLEY, Pa. (KDKA) -- A chemical fire caused a partial building collapse at the OMNIS Bailey Building on the Washington-Greene County line.
According to West Finley Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Emery, the chemical fire started shortly before 6:30 a.m. on Monday. When his department arrived on the scene, they couldn't enter the building.
WATCH: KDKA-TV's Jennifer Borrasso reports
They called in the Waynesburg and City of Washington fire departments for ladder tower trucks, as they began to shuttle water.
Chief Emery said there's diesel fuel in the building and other hazardous materials. The facility uses a machine to take out slurry from the mine and reproduce it to make fertilizer.
As of now, the origins of the fire are unknown. There are also no injuries. Chief Emery told KDKA-TV that he called for an evacuation of houses from Enon Church Road to Route 18 in that area.
Multiple units battled the fire, including South Strabane and Claysville.
Consol Energy sent KDKA-TV this statement on the fire:
"We are aware of a structure fire that occurred this morning at OMNIS Bailey LLC's building located in West Finley Township. This incident has no direct impact to CONSOL's mining operations, preparation plant, or its employees. OMNIS is a third-party project partner who has confirmed to us all employees have been accounted for and no injuries have been sustained. We are thankful for the prompt response from area emergency responders."
"I was very alarmed because it was lingering, the heavy dark smoke not knowing what was burning," Chief Emery said.
In all, 25 fire companies from Washington, Greene and Fayette counties helped battle the fire.
Hours later, the blaze was under control.
Chief Emery says fertilizer gets made in the building, but there is diesel fuel and other hazardous materials like plastic pipes.
"I know they are going to make the mine clean up the foam, the runoff where it would run off."
As far as air quality and those chemicals burning, he says Fayette County gave the green light.
"Their air monitoring and everything with all their monitors came back. Everything was fine," Chief Emery said. "I trust my mutual aid and fire companies. I trust myself. And I trust everybody that comes in and helps us."
Roger Scott, who lives half a mile from the main gate of the mine, is unphased.
"There was a little bit of a smell, but I just say there is nothing to worry about. I wasn't worried. If they happen to come up and say, 'Hey, you got to get out,' then I start to worry," Scott said.
Chief Emery says the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was at the site on Monday.
The DEP said in a statement that the agency was at the scene and is working with local fire departments and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
