These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| Occurrence Date: | December 16, 2000 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Osh Kosh, WI |
| Source: | Boxcar Fire |
| Material: | Sodium Dithionite |
| Severity: | Unknown |
| Quantity Discharged: | Unknown |
| Quantity in Water: | None |
| Body of Water Affected: | None |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | EPA Region V |
On December 16 the National Response Center received a report about a railroad boxcar on fire in Osh Kosh, WI. The initial report stated that containers of Sodium Dithionite were leaking and smoke was coming from the boxcar. Approximately 800 private citizens in a half mile radius around the site were evacuated. The Federal Emergency Management Agency later reported that the boxcar contains 141,000 pounds of Sodium Hydrosulfite powder and that approximately 400 people were displaced with one Red Cross shelter in place. Efforts are underway to off-load materials from the car in an attempt to get to the root of the fire and let the remaining material burn off. CASE CLOSED.