There was a major operation for five fire brigades in Jenbach (Tyrolean district Schwaz), as reported by the “Krone”. At the Binderholz company, two silo tanks with wood chips exploded. 110 Florianis fought the flames with water and extinguishing foam. The commander of the Jenbach volunteer fire brigade describes the operation.
“The explosion could be heard as far as Schwaz.” This is how Alexander Aschenwald, commander of the Jenbach volunteer fire brigade, begins describing a major operation that took place on Friday. A silo tank containing sawdust exploded at the Binderholz company.
“At around 8:40 p.m., the control center received numerous emergency calls. That’s why the coordinator alerted five fire brigades.” A total of 110 Florianijüngers responded.
First fought with water, then with fire-fighting foam
Shortly afterwards, the second silo tank also exploded. “That was an advantage for us, so to speak, because there was no risk of another explosion,” says Aschenwald. “At first, we had difficulty getting the fire under control. In addition, there was a possibility that the production halls would catch fire due to flying sparks.” Fortunately, that did not happen.
“We first put out the fires in the silos with water,” the commander continued. Then they used fire-fighting foam. It wasn’t until around 1 a.m. that the fire was put out.
“Even a small spark can cause a fire”
Aschenwald explains further: “On Saturday, the company had to start removing the sawdust from the silos layer by layer, while being careful with embers.” According to the police report, it was “a dust explosion of unknown origin.”
As the fire chief explains to the “Krone”: “There is a lot of technology in such silos. It only takes a small spark to start a fire.”
The extent of the damage is not yet known
Fire investigators are still investigating the exact cause. Fortunately, no one was injured in the spectacular incident. It is not yet possible to say how much damage the Binderholz company suffered.
It will probably take a few more days before the two silos are completely emptied.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
