Questions Surround Air Monitoring After Two-Week Fire at Rogers Recycling Plant
The recent fire at the Marck Industries recycling plant in Rogers, Arkansas, has left many wondering about the effectiveness of air monitoring in the aftermath. The two-week-long blaze, which started on October 16, sent plumes of hazardous smoke into the air, causing concerns for local residents and businesses.
The fire, which began as a reported grass fire, quickly spread to the building at 3507 N. Arkansas St. due to wind-driven debris. It escalated to a 4-alarm structure fire, involving approximately 1.8 million pounds of cardboard along with an unknown amount of plastic and aluminum.
Dusty Qualls, deputy chief of operations for the Rogers Fire Department, emphasized that the smoke from this fire was more toxic than usual due to the materials burning. The toxic smoke prompted a hazardous smoke warning, advising residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems, to seek shelter and stay indoors.
Despite efforts to contain the fire, it continued to burn for several days, releasing noxious fumes that lingered in the air. Local fire departments and emergency services responded with significant resources, deploying multiple agencies and bringing in nearly 270,000 gallons of water to battle the flames.
The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (ADEQ) dispatched air inspectors to investigate the situation. However, officials like Peter Masonis, the city spokesperson, clarified that the Rogers Fire Department assesses carbon monoxide levels for firefighter safety but does not directly monitor air quality for city residents. “It’s up to the Department of Energy and Environment Division of Environmental Quality to determine any potential impacts from the hazardous smoke warning and particulate matter,” Masonis stated.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with Marck Industries indicating that an unknown spark might have ignited the blaze. The company has also reassured customers that it has contingencies in place for such situations and will continue serving the area despite this setback.
Questions about air monitoring remain as residents seek reassurance about their safety. Local authorities are directing inquiries about air quality to ADEQ, which will investigate any contamination to Prairie Creek waterways, located less than a mile from the plant.
- Incident Details:
– Date: October 16, 2024
– Location: 3507 N. Arkansas St., Rogers, Arkansas
– Cause: Unknown spark
– Materials Burned: Cardboard, plastic, aluminum - Response:
– Agencies Involved: Rogers Fire Department, ADEQ, multiple local emergency services
– Resources Deployed: Nearly 270,000 gallons of water, bulldozers for fire breaks - Community Impact:
– Hazardous Smoke: Caused hazardous conditions, especially for vulnerable populations.
– Air Quality Concerns: Investigating potential impacts on local air quality and waterway contamination.
