Fremont Explosion: Fires Still Burning at Horizon Biofuels After a Week

Ongoing Fire at Horizon Biofuels Building in Fremont

Fires continue to burn inside the ruins of the Horizon Biofuels building in Fremont, Nebraska. The site remains a dangerous area, with fences in place warning the public to stay away. Firefighters are monitoring the smoldering debris closely, as the situation poses ongoing risks.

“There is product in there, so as the product burns up in there and smolders away, things shift and move,” said one firefighter. “We did have a spill this morning of a bunch of product that actually came into an old loading area. So, we went over and put that out. It is just going to be a non-stop thing until the fire is out or they tear it down.”

The challenges have been compounded by recent weather conditions. Last night’s storm brought strong winds that pushed more oxygen and air into the fire, causing it to flare up. Firefighters were caught in the middle of the rainstorm, and they had to wait for the storm to pass before resuming their efforts. “We sat and kind of watched it then we came back and continued to put out what we could after the rain,” the firefighter explained.

The structural integrity of the burnt-out building is another major concern. Crews must maintain a minimum distance of 200 feet from the site. What remains of the former grain tower may not stand much longer. “We are anticipating it to collapse,” said Nielsen. “We have to because if we think it’s going to stand forever, that is when it is going to come get us. We are trying to keep back when we are there. Everybody who is over there investigating has been advised to stay back as well. It could stand for another 50 years, it could stand for 5 more minutes. We just do not know the integrity of it.”

For now, crews are focusing on dousing hot spots from a safe distance. “We try to use big water and spray from as far as we can because it is not worth trying to put someone in there,” said Nielsen. He also emphasized that firefighters are not stationed at the site around the clock. If anyone sees smoke or fire coming from the facility, they should report it immediately.

Investigations and Past Issues

The Nebraska Fire Marshal agency completed its initial investigation of the incident at the plant on July 31. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting an investigation, which must be completed within six months by law.

Earlier this year, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy investigated an air quality complaint at Horizon Biofuels. At that time, they found wood dust beyond the property line. This issue raises concerns about the environmental impact of the facility.

In 2012, OSHA issued penalty fines to Horizon Biofuels for four “serious violations.” These included a lack of training and communication on workplace hazards and machine maintenance. The company also failed to ensure that wood dust did not pile up on and around the milling machine, according to reports.

Company Background

Horizon Biofuels manufactures wood pellets and animal bedding under the name Elkhorn Valley Animal Bedding. It is one of three commercial pellet plants in the state, with the capacity to produce 20,000 short tons of wood pellets made from waste wood. According to the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership website, the company has 10 employees.

Ongoing Concerns and Future Steps

Despite the challenges, firefighters remain committed to controlling the situation. They are using large amounts of water from a safe distance to manage hot spots and prevent further spread. However, the unpredictable nature of the site means that the risk of collapse remains high.

As investigations continue, the focus will be on understanding the causes of the fire and ensuring that safety measures are improved. Local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately. The situation at Horizon Biofuels highlights the importance of ongoing safety protocols and environmental monitoring in industrial facilities.