Fire Incident on M/V Cuyahoga at Port of Ashtabula, Ohio
Ashton Routhier
Incident Overview
On March 15, the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator for the Great Lakes was notified by the US Coast Guard (USCG) of a fire aboard the M/V Cuyahoga, a 664-foot Canadian-flagged bulk freighter, docked in the Port of Ashtabula, Ohio, on Lake Erie. The vessel, one of the oldest lake freighters still in operation, was wintering at the port and had no cargo on board at the time of the fire. Typically, the Cuyahoga carries bulk commodities such as stone, iron ore, and coal.
Firefighting Efforts and Safety Measures
A safety zone was immediately established, and a floating boom was deployed around the vessel to contain any potential pollutants. The Ashtabula Fire Department, serving as the On-Scene Coordinator, worked to combat and extinguish the fire, which originated in a cargo hold and spread to the main deck. There were no reports of hull failure, observed pollution, or stability issues caused by the firefighting efforts.
Firefighting Techniques and Environmental Concerns
Firefighters utilized the F-500 Encapsulator Agent in the firefighting water directed into the cargo holds. This agent, while biodegradable and free of PFAS, is classified as harmful to aquatic life. However, the firefighters applied the agent directly into the holds from aboard the vessel, ensuring that none entered the water. The firefighting water remaining on the vessel is scheduled for transfer to a shore facility, mitigating any environmental risk.
Response and Outcome
The fire aboard the M/V Cuyahoga was successfully extinguished without any significant damage to the vessel's hull or stability. The swift and efficient response by the Ashtabula Fire Department and coordination with the USCG prevented potential pollution and ensured the safety of the surrounding environment. Marine birds can be affected by small spills, but the quick evaporation of diesel typically results in minimal impact. Significant harm to birds and shellfish is more likely if the spill occurs near nesting areas or close to shore, where coral reefs and seagrass beds could be adversely affected.
What Caused the Fire Aboard the M/V Cuyahoga
The fire aboard the M/V Cuyahoga is believed to have started in a cargo hold and then spread to the main deck. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities examining various potential sources and contributing factors. Despite the intensity of the fire, there were no observed pollution incidents, and the vessel remained stable throughout the incident.
To combat the fire, the F-500 Encapsulator Agent was used. This biodegradable firefighting agent does not contain PFAS but is classified as harmful to aquatic life. It was chosen for its effectiveness in extinguishing fires without introducing pollutants into the water, ensuring environmental protection during the firefighting operations. The use of F-500 directly on the holds prevented any harmful substances from entering the water, mitigating potential environmental impacts.
Conclusion
The fire aboard the M/V Cuyahoga, which is believed to have started in a cargo hold before spreading to the main deck, remains under investigation to determine its exact cause. Despite the fire's intensity, there were no observed pollution incidents, and the vessel maintained its stability.
The use of the F-500 Encapsulator Agent, a biodegradable firefighting agent free of PFAS but harmful to aquatic life, was crucial in extinguishing the fire while preventing water pollution.
This strategic choice ensured environmental protection during the firefighting operations, effectively mitigating potential environmental impacts.
Source: https://incidentnews.noaa.gov/incident/10757