Two Galesburg firefighters received minor injuries in a Friday morning fire and explosion at Innovative Production USA.
According to a release from the city, fire personnel from all three stations responded to 701 West Sixth Street at around 9:33.
While en route, firefighters received word that a dryer bin had burning product inside with flames showing. Once on scene, fire crews noted a “pressurized smoke showing from a tower at the top of the building.”
Acting Batallion Chief Jon Cypert took command and fire crews were directed by employees to the area of the fire. Employees had already been trying to put the fire out with water.
The release says that Captain Brock Schmitt and firefighter Andrew O’Daniel advanced an attack line to the to of the bin on a catwalk to attack the fire from the top of the bin opening but before they could get into position there was a viewable explosion. Schmitt and O’Daniel were knocked down as the explosion blew off several metal ventilation panels.
Interior fire crews were evacuated and attack lines were quickly set up outside on the roof of the structure and brought under control in approximately 15 minutes.
Both Schmitt and O’Daniel were taken to OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center by GHAS for evaluation. They were eventually treated and released.
The building did receive heavy smoke and fire damage. GFD Investigators along with the State Fire Marshal’s Office are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
