Plan Studied for Cleanup After Magnesium Fire
Health and environmental officials were working Wednesday on a plan to clean up residue from the magnesium fire that gutted a metal-processing plant Tuesday in the City of Industry.
The magnesium, used in the manufacture of automobile and airplane parts, poses no immediate danger to people in the area because it is pasted on the rubble and not blowing, said Anthony L. Payne of the county Department Health Services. Magnesium can irritate the throat and lungs if it is inhaled, he said.
Fire officials were still investigating the cause of the fire, which caused $1.3 million in damage to Mark Metals Inc.
Owner Mark Valle said employees were cleaning up after cutting some magnesium when an electrical short started the blaze in the back of the building. On Wednesday, six employees were working outdoor telephones in front of the charred building.
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