Cutting Torch Sparks Fire

A huge column of smoke over Klamath Falls filled the sky as tires burned at a metals business.

Crews were called out to a fire at Hamilton Metals at around 5:30 Monday afternoon. The fire was buring in a large pile of scrap metal. John Spradley of Klamath County Fire District #1 says the fire was most likely sparked by a cutting torch…

“The cause was determined to be started by cutting, oxy-acetylene cutting on the metal – and they had a piece of hot slag drop into the tires.”

But, it only takes a few tires to make a lot of smoke…and attract a lot of attention. Witnesses say they also heard a couple of loud ‘bangs’ while the fire burned.

“I’m not exactly sure what those explosions were.” Noted Spradley. “They could have been either tires, or possible metal tanks that were in the pile.”

A ‘crash tanker’ from Kingsley Field was brought in to help put out the fire, and a crane was used to help dig into the pile to help find the source of the flame.

Fire crews managed to get full control of the fire shortly after seven. Spradley adds that damage was limited to a scrap metal pile…

“Not significant damage. Heavy column of black smoke which was caused by the fires – very impressive smoke column. But not a very large fire, really.”

Hamilton Metals was open for business as usual this morning.

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