201104 Used fumigant caught fire

On one of our vessels, remnants of aluminum phosphide tablets used for fumigating cargo in holds caught fire spontaneously when stored in two drums on deck for disposal. Under stress to extinguish the fire, the crew mistakenly poured water on the burning chemical, causing a greater conflagration and release of harmful fumes. The fire eventually burned itself out, fortunately, without injury or damage.

Editor's note: The material safety data sheet (MSDS) for aluminium phosphide has the following instructions for fire-fighting:
1. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material;
2. If contact with the material is anticipated, wear full protective clothing;
3. Do not use water or foam. Small fires can be extinguished with dry chemical, soda ash or lime;
4. Large fires Ð withdraw from area and let fire burn. Move container from fire only if you can do so without risk.