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24 February 2023
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Multiple services respond to massive fire at nursery in Kissimmee, Florida in the US
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More than 70 fire fighters responded to a raging fire at a nursery in Kissimmee, Florida in the US, on Thursday morning, 16 February 2023, where nearly five acres of plastic planters caught fire, sending plumes of smoke into the air. According to Osceola Fire officials, a call came in around 02h00am about the fire burning behind Nursery Supplies Inc at 2050 Avenue A. Officials said about two acres of plastic planters were ablaze before spreading to five acres.
The nursery itself was not on fire but it was evacuated because workers were inside.
Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS said in a statement on Facebook, “75 fire fighters and 21 vehicles continue working to contain the fire entirely, with it expected to be fully contained in the next hour or so. We estimate an additional couple of hours of overhaul as there’s quite a large mess of melted plastic, etc. Crews have established air monitoring devices and are prepared to issue evacuation orders, if necessary. Hazmat and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are on scene. Thankfully no injuries reported. Thank you to our partners who have been assisting! City of Kissimmee Fire Department, St Cloud Fire Rescue Department, Orange County Fire Rescue Department, Florida, Polk County Fire Rescue and the Reedy Creek Fire Department.”
During a press conference on Thursday, Deputy Chief Jon Haskett with Osceola County Fire said about 75 fire fighters with Orange County, Osceola County and Kissimmee worked for hours to put the fire out using water and foam.
Chief Haskett added that there was likely a propane tank explosion inside the fire area but all other tanks are secured.
There are thousands of plastic pots kept on the premises, Chief Haskett said.
Around 13h00, 13 hours after the first began, officials said that the fire was contained and under control, though fire fighters would be monitoring for flare-ups and hot spots.
Fire officials were also monitoring the air quality because of the large amount of smoke coming from the burning plastic. "These pots are burning into soot, just carbon, and carbon monoxide, a small amount that dissipates in the air, carbon dioxide and water. Nothing exotic. No cyanide, like you can get in some fires, no exotic chemicals like you can get in some fires," said Dr Todd Husty, a public health official.
In a media statement, a company spokesperson for Nursery Supplies said the fire appeared to have started along the back fence of the property. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. "The safety of our team members and our neighbours in the nearby community are our top priority and concern. We are thankful that the team in the plant at the time the fire started was quickly evacuated and there have been no reported injuries. The plant has been fully evacuated while fire control activities continue and team members are being advised not to come to work. We are cooperating fully with the authorities who are on site managing and investigating the situation and are thankful to them for their quick response."
The property is located about 13 miles from Walt Disney World.
Sources: Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS, Fox35 Orlando
The nursery itself was not on fire but it was evacuated because workers were inside.
Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS said in a statement on Facebook, “75 fire fighters and 21 vehicles continue working to contain the fire entirely, with it expected to be fully contained in the next hour or so. We estimate an additional couple of hours of overhaul as there’s quite a large mess of melted plastic, etc. Crews have established air monitoring devices and are prepared to issue evacuation orders, if necessary. Hazmat and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are on scene. Thankfully no injuries reported. Thank you to our partners who have been assisting! City of Kissimmee Fire Department, St Cloud Fire Rescue Department, Orange County Fire Rescue Department, Florida, Polk County Fire Rescue and the Reedy Creek Fire Department.”
During a press conference on Thursday, Deputy Chief Jon Haskett with Osceola County Fire said about 75 fire fighters with Orange County, Osceola County and Kissimmee worked for hours to put the fire out using water and foam.
Chief Haskett added that there was likely a propane tank explosion inside the fire area but all other tanks are secured.
There are thousands of plastic pots kept on the premises, Chief Haskett said.
Around 13h00, 13 hours after the first began, officials said that the fire was contained and under control, though fire fighters would be monitoring for flare-ups and hot spots.
Fire officials were also monitoring the air quality because of the large amount of smoke coming from the burning plastic. "These pots are burning into soot, just carbon, and carbon monoxide, a small amount that dissipates in the air, carbon dioxide and water. Nothing exotic. No cyanide, like you can get in some fires, no exotic chemicals like you can get in some fires," said Dr Todd Husty, a public health official.
In a media statement, a company spokesperson for Nursery Supplies said the fire appeared to have started along the back fence of the property. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. "The safety of our team members and our neighbours in the nearby community are our top priority and concern. We are thankful that the team in the plant at the time the fire started was quickly evacuated and there have been no reported injuries. The plant has been fully evacuated while fire control activities continue and team members are being advised not to come to work. We are cooperating fully with the authorities who are on site managing and investigating the situation and are thankful to them for their quick response."
The property is located about 13 miles from Walt Disney World.
Sources: Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS, Fox35 Orlando
