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BLUE GRASS ARMY DEPOT, Ky. - A fire was reported in a section of the high hazard industrial building called the washout facility on Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) Sunday, May 1 at 1:21 a.m. The washout facility, which opened operation in the early 1970s, currently uses Ammunition Peculiar Equipment (APE) 1300 to wash out M15 anti-tank mines. The fire was contained in a 15 by 15 foot room, and completely extinguished by 3:38 a.m. Sunday.

All personnel were accounted for, and there were no injuries to the workforce. Based on the explosive arc, the surrounding community was not in any danger by the chance of a possible explosion during the fire. The chemical weapons were also not affected.

Workers noticed sparks in the room, vacated the building, and called 911. A depot fire crew arrived on scene and saw heavy smoke and 6 to 8 foot flames extending out of a roof ventilation pipe. An aggressive fire attack was initially attempted, but after identifying the highly explosive contents in the fire area, the senior fire officer immediately called for a full evacuation of all fire crews from the area. The area was evacuated to a one mile radius of the facility. During the course of the rapid evacuation, two fire vehicles were damaged, with no firefighter injuries. Mutual fire aid units from the Madison County and Richmond fire departments were staged at the depot fire station.

Fire damage was all contained to the 15 by 15 foot room, with minimal roof damage. Estimated damage from the fire has not yet been determined, but the facility and processing equipment damaged in the fire is likely reparable or replaceable.

The washout facility is closed for work until the investigation into the fire is complete. While the washout is being repaired, no open detonation will be used to demilitarize M15 anti-tank mines. The depot uses the washout facility rather than open detonation in order to lower unit funded costs and be more environmentally friendly.

The washout facility is one of the many ways the depot acts as good stewards of the environment, the community, and taxpayer's dollars.

The exact cause of the fire is unknown. Col. Brian L. Rogers, BGAD commander, has started an investigation into the incident. At this time, there is no indication of any criminal intent.

The washout facility will not reopen until the investigation is complete and the problem is resolved, said Rogers.

"If we need a level of expertise above that to understand what caused the fire, then let's get that level of expertise," said Rogers.