THUNDER BAY – A grain elevator fire that initially sparked concerns of a potential explosion is now listed as under control.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue were called to the scene at Viterra grain elevator just before 9 a.m. Thursday following reports of a fire.
Workers were pushed back from the area amid safety concerns that the fire could lead to an explosion.
At least one ship needed to be moved away from the area for the same reason.
Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio said grain elevator fires are dangerous, especially if you have a lot of grain dust in the atmosphere.
"It can lead to a grain dust explosion, which we unfortunately have had in the past, so we are taking a fire like this very seriously," Hankkio said.
Just before 11:40 a.m. crews at the scene were able to call the situation officially under control.
"The fire was contained and it's presently contained in the pellet plant," Hankkio said.
"We still have crews on the scene and we will be there until the fire is compressed and we are confident that the fire is out, so we can release the property back to the owner and get them back in operation as soon as possible."
