By Dominic Adams
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The fire that destroyed an insulation company warehouse and produced large plumes of toxic smoke Sunday was so extensive it will hinder the fire department’s ability to identify the cause.
Fort Wayne Fire Chief Pete Kelly said he doesn’t know what started the fire at Momper Insulation, 2431 W. Main St.
“The damage is extensive enough that we’re not going to be able to really get in there and investigate in our normal means,” Kelly said Monday. “It’s going to be handed over to the insurance company and they’re going to investigate the best they can.”
As a result of the crews at the fire scene, West Main Street remained closed Monday near the entrance to Lindenwood Cemetery and at West Jefferson Boulevard.
There were a battalion chief, a ladder truck and an engine at the scene late Monday as workers pulled burned-out trucks and other wreckage from the smoldering building, and firefighters sprayed the smoldering remains.
A partial front wall with the words “Momper Insulation” could be seen from West Main and Jefferson.
The fire was reported about 11:30 a.m. Sunday and prompted a massive response from the city fire and police departments as well as the Fort Wayne-Allen County Office of Homeland Security and other agencies.
Firefighters did a “controlled burn” Monday morning — essentially, letting the fire burn — while officials assessed what chemicals were inside the business.
“We finally got the opportunity to get the heavy equipment in here and start tearing down some of the walls,” Kelly said. “We’re bringing out a lot of burned trucks and material so we can gain access.”
Mayor Tom Henry touted the city’s response during a news conference Monday morning.
“Yesterday, you saw the city team working at its best,” said Henry, referring to the number of local agencies needed to fight the fire at a local insulation business.
More than 40 firefighters responded to the fire that caused billowing smoke that could be seen for miles. The firefighter who was hospitalized after a wall collapsed on him was released from the hospital, officials said.
Fire officials said Sunday the smoke was toxic and urged people to stay in their homes and keep their windows closed.
Barrels of liquid cyanide that are used by the company to fireproof insulation after after its installation contributed to the toxic smoke. When inhaled, cyanide can cause headaches, dizziness, seizures and death within minutes or hours, depending on how much is in the air.
“The fire department followed acceptable practices and did what they had to,” said Richard Hackel, on-site coordinator for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. “They had to put water on the fire to put out the fire and provide safety for everyone.”
Company President Matt Momper declined to comment about the fire when reached by telephone by The Journal Gazette.
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