California Dairy Processor Has Exploding Milk

October 29, 2008

Fire investigators are trying to determine how powdered milk exploded at a processing plant, sparking a two-alarm fire.

Seven fire engines responded to California Dairies Inc., where an explosion Monday blew a hole in the side of a powdered milk processing building and forced the evacuation of 200 employees.

One employee suffered heat exhaustion while helping firefighters navigate the building. Visalia Fire Chief Mark Nelson said the employee was treated and released at a local hospital.

The fire caused $200,000 in damage to the plant and equipment. Nelson speculated that a spark ignited the milk powder.