Blood work required following Zinc Plant fire 

COLUMBUS—Some Columbus firefighters are now dealing with the frightening aftermath of a fire they helped fight in April at the American Zinc Plant in Mooresboro.  

The Columbus Fire Department sent out a statement Friday morning saying that seven of their personnel were at the Horsehead plant fighting the fire for 8 hours on April 28.  

“Everyone on scene was exposed to highly toxic chemicals,” the department said. “Although everyone was wearing full PPE and breathing equipment, the hazards were still there.”  

All personnel will have to have blood work done and be continuously monitored for health concerns.  

“We ask that you keep our personnel in your thoughts and prayers that everything comes back negative,” the department said.  

During the fight of the fire, it was discovered that gear tested positive as hazardous with sulfuric acid, also known as battery acid. The acid is extremely corrosive and is capable of burning through metal.  

Columbus was the only Polk County department to respond to the fire in Mooresboro, which is close to the state line near Chesnee, S.C. in Rutherford County. Rutherford County officials said at the time the concerns were not necessarily the zinc, but the sulfuric acid.  

The fire produced 75-foot-high flames, with 100 first responders from 15 different surrounding fire departments from a few counties, including all of Rutherford County departments. Crews dealt with clouds of acid as well as at least a dozen explosions during the fire.  

The cause of the fire is still unknown.  

American Zinc Products applauded the courageous efforts of fire departments and said there were no injuries to any of their employees, who were all accounted for. The company also said they were fully cooperating with state and local authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.  

The Columbus Fire Department responded with its Ladder 22 truck, an air trailer and a drone to assist the zinc plant fire. The department said it has to replace 7 sets of gear, estimated at $17,500. The department will file the loss through its insurance.  

The Columbus Fire Department asked for a 4-cent tax increase next year, with the county proposing to agree to a 3-cent increase. Columbus officials have said they need to replace aging trucks and other equipment, add onto the station and add an employee.