EVRAZ Steel Mill in Pueblo Resumes Manufacturing Operations after Fire

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The EVRAZ steel mill in Pueblo that caught fire Friday resumed manufacturing operations following a 36-hour pause due to the blaze, according to a news release.

The EVRAZ North America announcement Tuesday states the fire did not affect steelmaking operations, impact on-site rolling mills or construction of its "new state-of-the-art long rail mill." 

Officials said the fire erupted on the grounds of the steel mill Friday in a building used to store and stage non-hazardous materials. 

EVRAZ officials declined to say what non-hazardous material burned during the fire when asked specifically by The Gazette. 

Despite the visibly dark and thick smoke plume present during the blaze, EPA officials said Saturday that no hazardous materials were released during the fire. 

"After a number of air quality tests — including tests of the smoke plume during the fire — there are no indications that any hazardous substances were released," the news release from EVRAZ stated.

First responders arrived on the scene quickly, and all employees there were evacuated and accounted for, according to the news release. No injuries were reported from the fire. 

The fire reached 100% containment Friday evening and only occupied the storage facility at the steel mill, according to EVRAZ. The cause remains under investigation.

EVRAZ employees returned to work Sunday.

Courtesy: www.gazette.com