Large fire in Wayne County

2/24/07

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Two factory workers are injured after their workplace goes up in flames.  The fire broke out Saturday afternoon at Upstate Refractory Services in Wayne County.  Both workers were burned in the fire and were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. One has been released, the other is being treated for burns.

The company, which has been in business for years, makes parts for ovens and furnaces.   "They use propone to power their tow motors and lift trucks and of course any time propane is involved there is a risk of them exploding," said Mike Pelletier of the Fairville Fire Department. 

There were 11 different fire companies on the scene.  Besides the flammable materials firefighters faced another challenge; there are no fire hydrants on Austin Road.  Firefighters filled up 10 tanker trucks at a nearby station, making at least 5 trips each,  to bring water to the scene.  "We got a ladder truck over here using 2-thousand gallons of water a minute and we only hold 12-18 hundred with most of these tankers.  So,  he's using the water as fast as we can unload it right now," said  Assistant Fire Chief Randy Crandal of the Wallington Fire Department.  Fire Investigators believe sparks from a grinder ignited paint fumes, which caused the fire.  The owner of the company did not want to comment.

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