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On April 16, 1947 smoke was seen coming from the hold of the SS Grandcamp while docked at the Texas City Railway Company. Among its contents were 2300 tons of ammonium nitrate (FGAN). Water was applied to the fire but it had little effect. The ship's captain then decided to use steam, a recognizied shipboard firefighting method. Hatch covers were dogged, tarps were placed over them and the ventilation cowls were turned off and steam was applied.
You could not have made a worse decision. Sealing the hold stopped the escape of heat and pressure, and confined them to the hold which were all that was needed to made the FANG extremely explosive. The volunteer Texas City Fire Department was called and responded with 4 pieces of equipment and 27 members. Several hatches failed and soon golden smoke was seen coming from the hold, it later turned dark red. At 9:12AM the Grandcamp was rocked by 3 massive explosions which were heard 150 miles away. The explosive force was equal to 250 5 ton bombs! The entire fire fighting compliment was killed, along with 500+ civilians. Damage was 50 million dollars. In addition to the Grandcamp explosion the High Flyer also exploded with 2000 tons of sulphur and another 961 tons of nitrate. Until 9-11, I believe this was the largest loss of fire fighters death to a single incident.
You could not have made a worse decision. Sealing the hold stopped the escape of heat and pressure, and confined them to the hold which were all that was needed to made the FANG extremely explosive. The volunteer Texas City Fire Department was called and responded with 4 pieces of equipment and 27 members. Several hatches failed and soon golden smoke was seen coming from the hold, it later turned dark red. At 9:12AM the Grandcamp was rocked by 3 massive explosions which were heard 150 miles away. The explosive force was equal to 250 5 ton bombs! The entire fire fighting compliment was killed, along with 500+ civilians. Damage was 50 million dollars. In addition to the Grandcamp explosion the High Flyer also exploded with 2000 tons of sulphur and another 961 tons of nitrate. Until 9-11, I believe this was the largest loss of fire fighters death to a single incident.