Approximately 200 employees were evacuated from Sodecia Stamping Company, an automotive stamping plant and parts supply company, in Roseville, MI on March 5th when a two-alarm fire ignited. The fire resulted in three injuries and $500,000 in damages. Fire officials believe the fire broke out while workers were welding items on a conveyor belt in a 30-foot deep pit that contained oil, compressed air lines, gasoline, and other hazardous materials.

One worker was trapped in the pit, but was able to escape before firefighters arrived. The man was taken to the hospital and was treated for smoke inhalation. Two other workers were also treated for smoke inhalation.

Roseville Interim Fire Chief, Michael Holland, stated, “This was truly one of the worst kind of fires you can have. You have a fire in an industrial factory, a man in a confined space, and a building filled with hazardous materials.” Holland went on to say, “It was a serious situation. We didn’t want the fire to spread. It could have been much worse.”

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in 35 minutes, using water and foam. Hazmat teams also dumped dirt into the storm drain grates to prevent chemicals and oil from getting mixed in with the city’s water system.

Sodecia is headquartered in Portugal and is a supplier of metal-formed components and mechanical assemblies to the automotive industry.