Fire at Republic Steel’s new EAF to cost millions in damage

A fire that broke out Saturday at Republic Steel’s Lorain, Ohio plant injured five workers and caused millions in dollars in damage, according to a statement from the company.  The fire reportedly occurred during the hot commissioning process--the reaction caused by the accident shot fire up three floors of the concrete building.  According to the Lorain Fire Chief, “a heat source found its way into the oxygen supply system for a new electric arc furnace.

Republic Steel launched the first heat of the new furnace last week.  United Steelworkers Local 1104 and the plant’s equipment manufacturer are investigating the accident’s cause.