Apex Fire Probably Started In Chlorinated Chemical Storage Area

Date: October 30, 2006

Source: News Room

Investigators working for the U.S. Chemical Safety Board concluded that EQ Industrial Services' hazardous waste storage plant fire in Apex, NC most likely started where chlorinated chemicals were stored. A lack of physical evidence precludes definitive conclusions however. The fire on October 5th quickly grew out of control, lighting up the sky with explosions and blanketing parts of the town in a yellow-green haze. As many as 17,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes, and not allowed to return until two days later when firefighters finally extinguished the blaze. A federal judge recently ordered EQ to halt cleanup of the site after Apex residents sued to protect evidence. EQ officials said in a statement that it was complying with the order but that most of the work had already been completed.

For more information, visit: Chemical Safety Board: www.csb.gov.
EQ The Environmental Quality Company: www.eqonline.com.

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