Chemical Plant Owner Reimburses Fire Departments After April Blaze

Multiple fire departments attended the massive blaze.

1 Min Read
chemical plant repays fire dept
The Pinova chemical plant is reimbursing multiple fire departments for ruined gear and overtime pay due to a massive fire at the plant in April.Image courtesy of Tim Kitchen / The Image Bank via Getty Images

The operator of Pinova chemical plant in Georgia where a fire erupted in April is reimbursing multiple fire departments for damaged equipment and overtime pay accrued by fighting the blaze.

Glynn County commissioners last week accepted a check for around $37,000 from Pinova, which produces turpine resins used in glues and other adhesives in the port city of Brunswick.

Pinova, a subsidiary of DRT, is a global leader in rosin and polyterpene resins made from natural and renewable feedstocks.

Fire broke out at the Brunswick, GA, plant on April 15, sending thick smoke into the sky and resulting in a shelter-in-place order for people living within a mile of the fire.

The money will be used to replace protective gear worn by firefighters and a large-capacity hose, all ruined while battling the Pinova fire, Glynn County Fire Chief Vincent DiCristofalo told The Brunswick News.

“They have taken care of any equipment that was damaged,” DiCristofalo said. “They’re doing that for all the departments that sustained damages.”

More than a dozen fire departments and emergency agencies responded during the fire. 

Brunswick Fire Department  personnel monitoried the site for several weeks after putting out the fire. Brunswick Fire Chief Tim White said his department is working on the overtime bill, which Pinova said it will pay.

“The city and fire officials showed up when we needed them most and all parties worked together to contain the fire,” said Ron Kurtz, Pinova’s senior director of operations. “We have been working through the costs together and intend to reimburse the county and city for materials and equipment used.”

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire. The plant is still shut down as its staff examines equipment and reviews procedures as part of the fire investigation, White said.

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Powder Bulk Solids Staff

Established in 1983, Powder & Bulk Solids (PBS) serves industries that process, handle, and package dry particulate matter, including the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical markets.

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