Fire Hazards Plentiful in Shale & Chemical Operations

Axiall Fire, Westlake, Louisiana

Number of injured from Axiall chemical plant fire in Westlake rises to 18

News from Article of New Orleans, Louisiana, December 25, 2013

In this December 20, 2013 photo, smoke billows from the Axiall Corp. chemical plant in Westlake, La. The company is investigating what caused the explosion and fire, which released toxic chemicals and sent a dozen motorists who inhaled fumes to hospitals in Lake Charles, LA.

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Fire breaks out at shale-service company in Indiana County

From a Published Article, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, December 24, 2013

INDIANA, Pa. — Five fire companies have reportedly brought under control a blaze at a Western Pennsylvania company that services Marcellus and Utica shale natural gas wells.

Officials at Northeast Energy in White Township, didn’t immediately respond to an email requesting information about the fire reported about 5:15 a.m. Tuesday.

There were no immediate reports of injuries from the fire, or any determination on how it started or how much damage was caused.

But photos on the Indiana Fire Association web site and video from Pittsburgh TV news stations showed a large fire engulfing at least one building at the facility about 45 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

The fire appeared to be largely under control, though smoke was still visible in the area about three hours after the fire was reported.