Fire operations efforts to combat the explosion and fire at C6-Zero in Marengo (IA) ceased at approximately 4:00 a.m. Friday, the Marengo Fire Department said in a press release. The result of that fire may cost the fire department its turnout gear.
Significant structural damage occurred at the shingle remanufacturer’s facility. Engineers were on site at 810 East South Street Friday to assess the damage, according to the press release.
Several people were held overnight at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Two are reported in serious condition, the press release said.
Residents evacuated during the fire were able to return to their homes at approximately 7 p.m. The Linn County Regional Hazmat Teams were onsite obtaining air samples while the fire crews were fighting the fires, and reported no indications of concern, according to the press release.
Mark Swift, treasurer for the Marengo Fire Department and firefighter since 1986, told KCRG News that the department’s turnout gear has oil stains from the C6-Zero product. The department has been unable to remove the oil stains from the gear. What’s stuck to the gear is flammable, Swift said, and you don’t want firefighters going to a fire wearing flammable stuff on their pants.
As a result, the department might have to get new turnout gear, which would be $3,000 per person times 28 people. That adds up to $84,000 to replace turnout gear.