WA Potato Plant Fire Causes Evacuations
By Jami Ganz
Source New York Daily News
Evacuations linked to a large fire that began Thursday evening at the Washington Potato Company were lifted Friday morning.
The blaze, first reported in the factory dehydrator at about 5:30 p.m., led to the immediate evacuation of the building as well as fears concerning a potential explosion, KXLY.com reports. No injuries were reported.
The plant is located in Warden, about 100 miles southwest of Spokane.
Those living west of Road U-SE and south of State Route 170 were subject to Level 3 evacuations, with a “GO NOW” notice, meaning people should leave immediately and not delay, KPQ reported.
The radio station noted that for those who decided to stay, emergency services might not be able to help them later.
After venting the ammonia from an onsite tank, firefighters believed risks of exposure and explosion had both been taken care of.
Nicknamed the Washington Potato Company, the site is actually the Washington plant of the Oregon Potato Company and makes dehydrated potato products, according to its site.
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