Hopper Eyed as Cause of Fire at Spice Plant

A combustible dust explosion in a grinding hopper is thought to be the cause of a fire that broke out at a spice manufacturing plant in Reno, NV on Tuesday morning.

The fire started at about 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday when oregano ignited in a hopper at High Quality Organics on Moya Boulevard near Reno Stead Airport, according to a report by the Reno Gazette-Journal.

The Reno Fire Department said it believes a “combustible dust explosion in a grinding hopper” was the cause in a post on the department’s Facebook page. The fire was extinguished at about 11 a.m., reports said.

High Quality Organics supplies bulk wholesale certified organic spices, teas, blends, grains, dried fruits, and other food products.

No injuries occurred and damage was minimal, said Fred Alejo, vice president of High Quality Organics in a statement released on the company’s Facebook page. The building was evacuated and the company has has suspended production pending the completion of an investigation into the cause. Its warehouse was not affected by the blaze, according to the statement, and High Quality Organics is working with customers to fulfill orders. 

By John S. Forrester, managing editor of Powder & Bulk Solids. He can be reached at [email protected].

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