A fire broke out at the Cargill Aurora factory at Kalf in Zaandam due to lightning during the night from Thursday to Friday, November 22. The fire started around 12:50 am in a low voltage 420 volt cabinet.
The fire brigade was first alerted to a ‘fire report’ at the factory. At about 1.15am the report came that there was a serious fire, after which the fire was increased to a ‘moderate fire’ shortly afterwards. As three tankers from the fire brigade came to Zaandam, the report was automatically raised to ‘big fire’.
In the event of a major fire, an ambulance and the Medical Officer will be called as a warning. The fire brigade were busy in the building and searched several floors. Around 2 a.m., Liander shut off the 10,000 volt power supply outside the building to secure the situation. This caused the power supply to the affected low voltage box to be switched off.
The Zaanstreek-Waterland Safety Department reports that the firewas confined to the power supply area. After the fire was extinguished, the building was ventilated with large fans. By 3 a.m., most firefighters and firefighters could return to the barracks. They were able to sleep for a few hours before their daily work resumed.
Some of the fire brigade that were present at the factory remained, as the drying drums still had to be evacuated. The fire brigade has now left and the Cargill corporate fire brigade has resumed normal business operations.
Under one slide show with eight pictures (click arrows or swipe):
Contributed by Michel Schermer
2024-11-22 03:16:00
#Cargill #Aurora #fire #due #lightning #strike
The article mentions that the fire was contained to the power supply area. What lessons can Cargill Aurora and other industrial facilities learn from this incident regarding the design and implementation of compartmentalization strategies to minimize fire damage?
## World Today News Interview: Cargill Aurora Factory Fire
**Introduction**
**Host:** Good evening and welcome to World Today News. Tonight, we’re discussing the recent fire at the Cargill Aurora factory in Zaandam, Netherlands. We’re joined by two experts to provide us with a comprehensive understanding
of the incident: [Guest 1 Name], a fire safety specialist, and [Guest 2 Name], a spokesperson for Cargill Aurora. Welcome to both of you.
**Section 1: The Incident itself**
**Host:** [Guest 1], the article mentions the fire originating from a 420-volt cabinet struck by lightning. Could you elaborate on the typical vulnerabilities of electrical systems to lightning strikes and how this specific incident could have unfolded?
**Guest 1:** (Provides insights into electrical system vulnerabilities, lightning strike mechanisms, and potential contributing factors in this case)
**Host:** [Guest 2], how did the Cargill Aurora team respond to the fire alarm, and what were the initial steps taken to ensure the safety of personnel and minimize damage?
**Guest 2:** (Details the factory’s emergency protocol, evacuation procedures, and initial response strategies)
**Section 2: Firefighting Efforts**
**Host:** The article mentions the fire escalating from a “fire report” to a “big fire” in a relatively short time. [Guest 1], what factors might lead to such a rapid escalation in a factory setting like this?
**Guest 1:** (Discusses factors like combustible materials, ventilation, sprinkler systems, and the role of the building’s structure in fire spread)
**Host:** I understand Liander had to shut down the 10,000-volt power supply. [Guest 2], how did this power outage affect the firefighting efforts, and how did Cargill Aurora ensure the safety of its personnel during this process?
**Guest 2:** (Explains the impact of the power outage on firefighting and outlines the steps taken to maintain worker safety during the power shutdown)
**Section 3: Aftermath and Lessons Learned**
**Host:** The article states that the fire was contained to the power supply area. [Guest 1], how crucial is compartmentalization in mitigating the spread of fire in complex industrial environments like a factory?
**Guest 1:** (Emphasises the importance of compartmentalization in fire containment and its role in preventing wider damage)
**Host:** [Guest 2], what measures will Cargill Aurora take to prevent similar incidents in the future? Has this incident prompted any reevaluation of safety protocols or infrastructure?
**Guest 2:** (Outlines future preventive measures, potential infrastructure improvements, and any changes to safety protocols based on the learnings from this fire)
**Section 4: Broader Implications**
**Host:** This incident highlights the ever-present risk of fire in industrial settings. [Guest 1], what are some key takeaways for other businesses regarding fire safety preparedness and communication during such emergencies?
**Guest 1:** (Offers general advice on fire safety measures, communication strategies, and the importance of regular safety training)
**Host:** [Guest 2], are there any messages you would like to convey to the community regarding the Cargill Aurora facility’s commitment to safety and its response to this event?
**Guest 2:** (Reassures the community about Cargill Aurora’s dedication to safety, emphasizes their response efforts, and expresses gratitude for the support received)
**Conclusion**
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights. We appreciate your expertise and your dedication to fostering a safer environment. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety precautions and preparedness in all industries. We hope
this discussion has been informative for our viewers.
