Sprinkler System Blamed for Stoking Fire
From Times Wire Reports
A magnesium recycling plant’s sprinkler system helped turn a small fire in a scrap bin into a toxic inferno that forced thousands of residents of Anderson from their homes, fire investigators said.
Officials are trying to determine why the Advanced Magnesium Alloys Corp. plant had a working sprinkler system in the area where the metal is stored. Water causes burning magnesium to flare up and explode.
The water added fuel to the burning magnesium, which caused hazardous fumes.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
