Reported By Jacqueline Fell
ST. CLOUD -- A biodiesel plant in Osceola County burned to the ground Thursday.
The plant is located on Dillon Blaine Road, just off Nova Road.
“It was horrid,” said Joan Pittenger, who lives nearby. “It happened so quickly. If anyone had been in there, they wouldn't have able to get out.”
Within minutes, the biodiesel plant was destroyed. Explosions could be heard, felt and seen as gas tanks caught fire.
“The fireman came and said, 'Please get in the house because of the toxic fumes,” Pittenger said.
The owner of the company was the only person there. He said he found a small fire in a warehouse and grabbed a fire extinguisher.
“As he did that, it seemed to intensify,” said Osceola County Fire Chief Danny McAvoy. “He then backed out. There was a small explosion and the roof peeled back. So we know where it started on the investigation side of it.”
Thousands of gallons of methanol, biodiesel and sulfuric acid burned. It created a dangerous scenario for firefighters and made neighbors' worst fears come true about living near a biodiesel plant.
“Our grandchildren come out here all the time. They play, drive golf carts out here. It's such a beautiful place. Just thank God the wind was blowing in the other direction,” Pittenger said.
A trailer next to the plant was damaged. However, no injuries were reported.
The first crew on scene was Station 52, which was originally slated to close due to budget cuts.
McAvoy said this is why it needed to stay open.
The cause of fire remains under investigation.
Comment On This Story