The cleanup continues after a fire caused more than $100,000 in damage and suspended operations at BR Metals in Livingston.
Overton County EMA Director Chris Masiongale said investigators believe a hydraulic-system leak ignited in the back portion of the aluminum foundry, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
“Luckily, no one was injured,” Masiongale said. “That is a a very open building and so was ventilated very good and the employees recognized the danger quickly and went to work in shutting things down, actually, which helped save that structure.”
Masiongale said employees shut down the pump feeding the hydraulic system as emergency crews responded. Masiongale credited their actions and the quick response with limiting the damage.
Masiongale said the fire started around equipment in the back portion of the building adjacent to the Overton County 911 Center. Masiongale estimated the loss at more than $100,000, primarily involving equipment and the building’s interior.
Masiongale said molten aluminum inside the foundry created an additional challenge for firefighters. Water contacting the material could cause an explosion, forcing crews to work around the hazard while attacking the fire.
“There was molten aluminum there and that was one of the hazards, of course if you spray water on molten molten anything, it’s going to explode,” Masiongale said. “And so the fire department there was aware and they were able to work around that and extinguish, of course the metal was not on fire, but they were able to extinguish the building.”
Masiongale said firefighters used foam to suppress the hydraulic-fluid fire. Livingston Fire Department, Fairgrounds Volunteer Fire Department, Overton County EMS, Overton County EMA, Upper Cumberland Electric and the Livingston Gas Department responded.
Masiongale said crews brought the fire under control within about 30 minutes.
BR Metals remains closed while the company works to repair damaged equipment and the building’s interior. Masiongale said firefighters returned Wednesday to help the company begin restoring the production area.
Masiongale estimated at least 50 employees could be affected by the shutdown, though he did not have an exact employment figure.
BR Metals manufactures specialized aluminum electrical components used by utilities for substations and electrical lines.
“We hate for any any fire to affect anyone,” Masiongale said. “But when it comes to our agencies, our our companies that are that are local to us, we want to try to get them back on their feet as soon as possible.”