Video: CA Crews Face Hazmat Incident During Industrial Fire

Dec. 16, 2020
Firefighters from multiple departments battled a two-alarm fire at an agricultural supply yard in Oxnard that set off multiple explosions and forced residents in the area to shelter in place.

California firefighters from multiple departments battled a two-alarm industrial fire that set off multiple explosions and required a hazardous materials team.

Oxnard crews initially responded to a pallet fire just before 7:45 p.m. Monday at an agricultural supply yard, the Ventura County Star reports. As the fire grew in intensity and spread, firefighters from Ventura City, Ventura County and Federal fire departments were called in.

The fire eventually caused a partial building collapse, and firefighters used two aerials to battle the flames from above. A shelter in place order was issued for the surrounding area after officials worried that the fire threatened fertilizer and other chemicals stored at the yard.

“The initial assessment by hazmat is the runoff was safe for personnel and the environment,” Oxnard Battalion Chief Steve Reyes told the Star. “It didn’t get into the storm drains. It was all contained within the facility.”

Crews were able to get the fire under control by around 10:30 p.m., and it was completely extinguished just before 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Star.