Within minutes of the change of command ceremony that passed the plant’s flag from most recent commander, LTC Scott to LTC Kazar, a fire erupted in a mix-house production building.
The ceremony ended at 11:20. At 11:41 a.m. the onsite safety, health, and environment teams responded to the scene of the fire and local fire departments from Radford City, Christiansburg, and Fairlawn assisted, it was reported in an emailed announcement less than two hours later.
The plant produces propellant and explosives used in ammunition for the Department of Defense.
In the announcement, Communications Manager for RAAP contractor BAE Systems Christopher E. Finley wrote that “One employee from the production building was transported the local hospital for burns.”
Three plant firefighters were transported to the local hospital as a precautionary measure for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion according to an update.
This was not the same building as the explosion and fire that occurred almost a year ago, June 11, in an accident that gravely injured two and killed one worker in a flash fire in a nitrocellulose drying facility.
It is unclear whether there are similarities to last year’s accident.
“We’re always worried about fire,” Justine Barati, chief of communications and congressional affairs said in a phone interview. “The cause is subject to investigation and that will be part of it.”
In an update shortly after one o’clock, the fire was reported to have been contained.
“All associated production remains suspended and all other personnel are confirmed safe,” she said.
Outgoing commander, LTC Scott, was lauded at the change of command ceremony and throughout his two-year tenure for his efforts to improve transparency between the community and the high-security facility, efforts LTC Kazar, as he begins his two-years, said he intended to continue.
“The Army and the operating contractor, BAE Systems, are committed to carrying out a thorough investigation and are concerned about those affected. The health and safety of our workforce and community remains our top priority at all times,” the update said.
