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Operations resume after Sivyer Steel fire

UPDATED: A welding spark that ignited insulation is blamed for a fire at the Sivyer Steel plant in Bettendorf, Iowa.
11 Sivyer Steel fire August 1

A welding spark that ignited insulation is blamed for a fire at the Sivyer Steel plant in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Firefighters from several area fire departments joined forces to battle the fire at the steel foundry located at 225 33rd Street in Bettendorf, Iowa.  It was reported just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2012.

A spokesperson for Sivyer Steel said it happened during Wednesday’s second shift.  She said employees immediately evacuated and were sent home. 

Smoke from the fire was visible from several blocks away from the facility. 

Streets surrounding the facility and nearby railroad tracks were closed to traffic for about two hours.

Initial calls indicated the fire was in the ceiling rafters of the building.  A spokesperson for the City of Bettendorf said the fire was contained to the sand silo.  It took just over two hours to extinguish the fire.

The Sivyer Steel spokesperson said sand silo is separate and detached from the main plant.  The fire was started when welding equipment ignited insulation materials. 

Normal plant operations resumed starting with Wednesday’s third shift. 

Firefighters from Bettendorf, Rock Island Arsenal and Riverdale fire departments worked the fire. 

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Operations resume after Sivyer Steel fire

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