A fire at the site of Detroit’s historic and still-operating salt mine caused evacuations and a hazmat response early Thursday, Aug. 7.
Detroit firefighters were called about 1:15 a.m. Aug. 7 to Detroit Salt Co. and found a fire in an aboveground building, said Corey McIsaac, director of media relations for the fire department.
The salt mine, which produces ice melters, is located at 12841 Sanders St. and is not far from River Rouge on the far west side of Detroit.
The mine has been operational since the early 1900s.
The fire wasn’t in a mine but rather in a building that appeared to be used for storage and office space, McIsaac said.
All occupants were out of the building when firefighters arrived, and firefighters doused the fire, McIsaac said.
However, about 3 a.m. and about 30 minutes after fire crews initially cleared the scene, firefighters were called back because the fire rekindled. That’s not uncommon, McIsaac said. All occupants had evacuated again.
Around then, the company shut down mining operations due to air quality concerns for employees, McIsaac said.
Hazmat crews were on scene during the first response to monitor air quality, and it was deemed safe. In addition, a hazmat crew responded on standby due to hazardous materials stored in the building but away from the fire area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A Detroit Salt Co. representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hazmat team responds to fire at Detroit salt mine building
Reporting by Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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