An explosion occurred on a car carrier Hoegh Xiamen, a Norwegian-flagged vessel docked at Blount Island, port of Jacksonville, Florida, was “under control and contained” as of Sunday (June 7) morning, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) said.
JFRD added that the fire was still burning due to access issues, and according to experts, it could continue to do so for days.
Shipboard fire update: The fire is under control and contained at this time although it is still burning due to access issues.
— MyJFRD (@JFRDJAX) June 7, 2020
According to JFRD, eight firefighters were injured in the explosion which took place on Thursday (June 4) while battling the fire on the ship.
Fire Chief Keith Powers said at least four have significant burns and will be off the job for “a long time.” A ninth firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.
Five of the eight firefighters who were hospitalized were released Friday (June 5), JFRD said.
On Saturday (June 6), JFRD said, crews were cooling the ship with more than 25,000 gallons of water per minute on all sides.
Day 3, cooling the ship with more than 25,000 gallons of water per minute on all sides… working with partners to a safe resolve to the situation. pic.twitter.com/G2rmjEaNtC
— MyJFRD (@JFRDJAX) June 6, 2020
JFRD also shared about the technology they are using to cope up with the massive fire.
Curious about the technology we are using… drones with infrared cameras, measuring the temperatures faced, directing the streams to the hottest areas to maintain ship integrity… #usingtechnology @CityofJax @FirehouseNews pic.twitter.com/SRuydlorPB
— MyJFRD (@JFRDJAX) June 5, 2020
The Coast Guard said there are no signs of contaminants in the water. Oil booms have been placed as a precaution.
Investigators are trying to determine what caused the fire on the 600-foot car carrier ship.
