Fire Police Captain David Wintz, 65, of the Bristol Fire Company, on May 16, 2012 at 03:30 hrs, responded to a chemical plant fire in Bucks County, Pa, which was started by a lightning strike. While directing traffic at the scene, Wintz started to feel ill and was taken home. Wintz went into cardiac arrest at home and was then taken to Aria Health's Torresdale Hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.
Our condolences to the Wintz Family, Friends, the Bristol Fire Company, and to all affected by Fire Police Captain Wintz's passing.
To date, 33 firefighter fatalities have been
reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA
firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
At approximately 3:30am a 250,000 gallons holding tank of chemicals was hit by lightning at the Dow chemical plant in Bristol. Fire spread to a second 250,000 gallon tank and firefighters used foam to contain fire but it flared up several times. The fire went to three alarm and fire companies from NJ and PA responded to the scene. Several firefighters needed to evaluated by EMS. Fire command is reporting for residents in surrounding area should limit there exposure to the fumes by staying indoors and closing windows. A press release by the PR department at Dow chemical said the chemicals burning were ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate, chemicals used as a coating in paint.
Lightning Strike Ignites Massive Fire At Bucks County Chemical Plant « CBS Philly
Firefighter dies after lightning strike sparks three-alarm blaze at Pennsylvania chemical plant
(KDFW | Fox 4) CROYDON, Pa. -- A fire officer died Wednesday morning as crews battled a three-alarm blaze at a chemical plant in Pennsylvania.
The blaze broke out at 3:35am local time in at least one fuel tank at the Dow Chemical plant in Croydon after it was hit by a lightning strike, myFOXphilly.com reported.
No injuries were initially reported, but officials at the Bristol Fire Department confirmed a member of their crew died after suffering a heart attack at the scene.
The fire spread to three alarms before crews got it under control with foam. Hazardous materials crews were also on the scene.
Dow identified the burning chemicals as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, commonly used to make paints. Authorities said there was no threat to nearby homes or businesses.
Footage at the scene showed the charred remains of two tanks. The fire appeared to have blown off the lid of one of the tanks.
A statement from Dow said, "Material that escaped the tanks is contained in surround dikes with no anticipated impact to the community. We do not anticipate any health impacts to the community."
Schools in Bristol Borough were closed because of the fire.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
