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Naperville Fire Department requested an extra alarm about noon Thursday for a fire at 1651 Frontenac where a factory was reported to have an explosion involving calcium chloride. At high temperatures or when moistened in fire conditions, calcium chloride can produce toxic or irritating fumes. Calcium chloride, mixed with hot water, can cause violent boiling, therefore calcium chloride incidents are not fought with water. The extinguishing agent used was road salt, which arrived by the truckload at about 2:00 p.m.
Area fire departments were putting out spot fires in the area of the explosion. It is unknown if water was being used on some of the spot fires.
Odermath is listed for the address at 1651 Frontenac. According to Odermath’s website, the company is one of the leading partners in the field of molten metal treatment technology for iron and steelworks, foundries and the non-ferrous industry.
The extra alarm was struck out at 4:00 p.m. Thursday. Fire department equipment is remaining on the scene and is involved in cleanup and decontamination.
A branch of the Illinois Prairie Path passes directly south of the Odermath USA facility.
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