News Releases for February 2008
February 18, 2008
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Hoeven To Visit Site Of Industrial Plating Corp. Fire In Wahpeton Today
Governor Authorizes State Resources To Assist In Effort
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven, along with Adjutant General David Sprynczynatyk and Division of Emergency Services Director Greg Wilz, will be in Wahpeton today to help coordinate firefighting efforts at the site of Industrial Plating Corp. The Governor will meet with City Administrator Shawn Kessel, residents, firefighters, and other officials. Media can join up with the group when they arrive at the Wahpeton airport at approximately 2 p.m.
At this time, the fire is contained. West Central Environmental Consultants, a firm specializing in hazardous materials management, is advising local authorities to allow the fire to burn itself out.
The Governor has already made available North Dakota state resources, including the North Dakota Department of Transportation; Department of Health; and Department of Emergency Services to assist the city of Wahpeton as officials work to fight an industrial fire at the Industrial Plating Corp. facility in the city.
Evacuation of a 40-block area of the city is underway as a precaution to protect area residents. State and local officials are working with the Red Cross, which is on the scene, and the Community Emergency Response Team, which has been activated, to establish a shelter at the Wahpeton Middle School at 1209 Loy Avenue.
Hoeven spoke earlier today with City Administrator Shawn Kessel to offer resources to the community. Fire departments from Wahpeton, Breckenridge and Dwight are responding to the fire, which was reported at about 2:30 a.m. Monday. State resources deployed to help the community include:
- The North Dakota Department of Transportation has helped to install dikes to help prevent runoff from the firefighting effort entering the river.
- The North Dakota Department of Health is providing environmental health specialists to provide hazardous material, environmental and water quality expertise. Their assessment is underway.
- The Department of Emergency Services has staff coordinating resources and response.
- The North Dakota National Guard is involved and the Guard’s Civil Support Team has been put on alert.
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