Two fires caught in Ascend Performance Materials

Two fires in 5 days caught the US-based polyamide 6,6 producer, Ascend Performance Materials on Old Chemstrand Road, Pensacola, Florida, site.

A fire caused by lightening striking was reported at Ascend Performance Materials on May 5 morning, local time.

According to Alison Jahn, vice president of global communications and external affairs, the fire was caused by a severe thunderstorm that passed over the site and resulted in lightening striking some of the equipment. No inquiries have been reported.

"Earlier today a fire occurred at Ascend’s Pensacola site. To ensure safety, we evacuated our employees. Local fire authorities were dispatched and contained the fire. There were no injuries and the community was not at risk at any time." said, Jahn.

The second fire took place on May 10 in a different location than Wednesday morning’s fire. It was put out in the afternoon local time and no one was injured.

Alison Jahn commented that the incident was not related to Wednesday's fire, and added that a ventilation fan overheated, causing steam to ventilate. There were no actual flames.