SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – A fire broke out at the Kaiser Aluminum plant in Spokane Valley, that eventually was controlled by salt.
The fire started in a hopper at the plant early this morning around 3 a.m. No injuries were reported, according to the fire department.
Fire crews were on the scene but did not use water due to chemical concerns. Instead, Kaiser staff used a unique method, applying salt to the fire while removing the burning material from the hopper one dumpster at a time.
Despite the uniqueness of this approach, the fire department expected to remain on the scene for only a few more minutes, suggesting the blaze was nearly under control.
There was no need for an evacuation during the incident, according to Kaiser staff. As for what exactly ignited the fire, the specifics remain unclear. Fire crews believe it originated within the hopper with the materials inside, though no definitive cause has been identified.
Further details into the fire are unknown as an investigation in underway.
