Sulphur explosion damages MacGregor farm services branch
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/08/2023 (1027 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A sulphur explosion at an agricultural facility in MacGregor prompted the temporary evacuation of about 50 nearby homes Tuesday afternoon.
MacGregor Fire Department Chief Chris Leckie said crews were called to the Shur-Gro Farm Services facility at 123 South Railway St. E. just before 12:30 p.m. for reports of an explosion.
MacGregor, located about 120 kilometres west of Winnipeg, is one of 14 rural Manitoba communities with a Shur-Gro Farm Services branch. The branches sell seed, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals.
“There was a lot of damage. There really wasn’t much fire at that time,” Leckie said by phone. The site includes about a dozen bins and three outbuildings.
“The whole structural component of the fertilizer leg there was destroyed. It was significant damage to the structure.”
No injuries were reported, Leckie said, however, nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.
An evacuation notice was issued by the Municipality of North Norfolk just before 2 p.m. It was lifted about two hours later.
Leckie said officials were primarily concerned about the sulphur dust in the air as crews worked to suppress and contain the material with water.
“It’s mostly an irritant. There wasn’t much of it going. We just wanted to exercise caution for the public. We thought it (the evacuation) was necessary with the way the wind was blowing until everything was looked after and properly contained,” he said.
The explosion is being investigated by the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
“It’s not a very regular occurrence at all,” Leckie said.
Shur-Gro Farm Services was not immediately available for comment.
North Norfolk chief administration officer Theresa Bergen said fewer than 50 homes had to be evacuated in the vicinity. Many residents likely sheltered with family and friends in other parts of the town before returning home, she said.
“They’ve contained it, and so it’s no longer a problem.:
Portage la Prairie RCMP also responded to the scene. Police are expected to release additional information about the explosion.
danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca