In a metalwork company, a fire broke out at around 11.30 am on a 6 m³ quenching oil tank during the heat treatment of metal parts. The fire emitted a significant amount of black smoke carried away from the nearest homes by the wind. Alerted by the unit’s staff, the public emergency services quickly contained the fire.

There were no victims. The material damage and operating losses were respectively estimated at 100,000 euros and 50,000 euros.

The blocking of the parts immersion basket in semi-immersed position after one of the parts had fallen into the tank, had caused the surface of the oil bath to heat up and then ignite. Following the accident, the operator changed the design of the basket to prevent the parts to be treated from falling and improved the firefighting equipment in this work area.