July 22, 2008

Trident Seafood plant burns in Chignik Bay, Alaska

Alaska's fire marshal is enroute to investigate

A Chignik Bay fish processing plant burned to the ground Monday closing the town's main source of income.

The fire reportedly broke out in a power house that was attached to the main facility.

From a Coast Guard press release

The Coast Guard responded to reports of a structural fire at Trident Seafoods in Chignik Bay approximately 450 miles southwest of Anchorage Monday night to support any medical evacuations if needed and to monitor possible water pollution caused by the fire.

A helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak launched a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter in response to the fire, transporting a Marine Science Technichian from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Kodiak, to assist in the investigation and to monitor possible pollution.

Two people were injured but were provided medical care locally.

The cause of the fire will be investigated by the State of Alaska's fire marshal who is enroute. Alaska State Troopers are on scene working with the Trident Seafoods Company, based in Seattle, to care for displaced employees.

Boom has been placed around the facility and a half mile safety zone around the area is in place as a precaution. A fire watch is being maintained by Trident Seafood personel. Coast Guard Sector Anchorage is monitoring the situation and will respond as necessary toward concerns of human or environmental safety.