Grand Junction Chemical Fire

At 11:15 on October 30th, 2021 the Grand Junction Regional Communications Center dispatched the Grand Junction Fire Department to a commercial structure fire at 740 Scarlet St. in the business park west of the city for a chemical fire. Reporting parties indicated a large shop, half on fire, housing a CBD oil manufacturing facility. Colorado State Patrol trooper arrived on scene to a large warehouse, nothing showing with apparent evacuation. Engine 3 arrived on scene to a large commercial structure, smoke showing from underneath one of the doors with water flowing out, establishing an offensive strategy for fire attack and primary search with an 1 3/4 line. Ambulance 6 arrived and with the water supply, making an approximate 250’-300’ LDH hand-jacked lay from Engine 3 back to the hydrant. Ambulance 3 arrived and level 1 staged awaiting an assignment. Engine 3 completed a 360° walk-around, noting hazards on the Delta side, making entry Alpha side. Battalion 1 arrived, requesting a CAN Report from Engine 3, taking command, and continuing the offensive strategy. Engine 3 reported several 55-gallon drums on fire, attempting to extinguish, requesting a second line and assistance with doors and an all clear of the structure. Engine 5 pulled a second line to the Alpha side door to assist with fire attack. Truck 1 was assigned utilities and Engine 2 was requested as the on-deck crew. Ambulance 3 was requested by Battalion 1 to assist in operations and assigned Ambulance 6 as medical group. Fire attack group experienced difficulty extinguishing the fire with water alone and requested AFFF Foam to be introduced to their handline to assist with knockdown. The fire attack group reported that the structure was not involved and that two 55-gallon drums were the only involvement and only one was on fire. At 11:30 Battalion 1 and Fire Attack Group requested a third line to be brought in with a fog nozzle, moving Engine 4 into the fire attack group. A supply line was laid out to the FDC to preposition for sprinkler supplement. The fire was knocked down and overhaul was initiated. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Grand Junction Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau. The structure was home to a CBD Oil processing facility.

Units on Scene: Battalion Chief 1 (IC), Engine 3, Ambulance 6, Ambulance 3, Truck 6, Engine 2 & Engine 4

Special Call: Chief 3, Investigator 3 & HazMat 3

Grand Junction Police Department & Colorado State Patrol