Brunswick, Ga: Mysterious Fire

On April 15, 2023, a fire broke out at the Pinova plant in Brunswick, Georgia, prompting evacuations. The plant delivers specialty rosin and polyterpene resins. The fire was contained initially, but it reignited in the afternoon, leading to a shelter-in-place order for a one-mile radius. All evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were eventually lifted around 10 p.m. when the blaze was extinguished. The origin of the fire was unknown as of that night.

Fire at the Pinova plant

On Saturday, April 15, 2023, a fire broke out at the Pinova plant in Brunswick, Georgia, leading to evacuations and a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. The Pinova plant is a plastic resin manufacturing site located just off Highway 17 on Cook Street.

The fire reportedly started around 7 a.m. and was initially contained by 9:45 a.m., but it reignited around 3 p.m. and grew in size. This prompted the Glynn County Board of Commissioners to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents within a half-mile radius of the plant and an evacuation order about an hour later. The fire also led to road closures near the plant to facilitate an airdrop of fire retardant by a Georgia Forestry plane.

During the incident, two minor burn injuries were reported and treated onsite by paramedics. The state of emergency was eventually lifted at 8 a.m. on Sunday, and residents were allowed to return to their homes. The cause of the fire was not immediately known, and an inspection was underway to determine the cause.

The fire at the Pinova plant in Brunswick, Georgia, caused significant disruption and required a coordinated response from various agencies. The Brunswick Fire Department and Glynn County Fire Rescue led the firefighting efforts, while the Glynn County Emergency Management and Glynn County EMA provided crucial coordination and management. The Environmental Protection Agency, state fire marshal, and emergency management director were also on the scene to assist and ensure the safety of the community.

Evacuations and shelter-in-place orders

On April 15, 2023, a fire broke out at the Pinova plant in Brunswick, Georgia, which manufactures rosin and polyterpene resins. The fire was initially reported at 7 a.m. and was contained by 9:55 a.m. However, the flames rekindled in the afternoon, sparking evacuations and shelter-in-place orders.

The Glynn County Board of Commissioners issued a shelter-in-place order for a one-mile radius around the plant. Additionally, residents within a half-mile radius of the plant were evacuated due to high levels of smoke. The Dover Bluff area of Camden County and the south side of the Port of Brunswick were also evacuated.

Brunswick Mayor Cosby Johnson issued an emergency declaration for the city, citing uncertainty about the fire's containment and the changing wind direction. The mayor emphasised the priority of ensuring the safety of all citizens.

Two schools within 2.3 miles of the plant were placed under shelter-in-place orders. A shelter was opened at the Kingsland Recreation Center for those who needed to evacuate, although it was reported that no one took advantage of the shelter.

All evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were lifted around 10 p.m. on the same day, when officials declared the blaze extinguished.

In November 2022, a similar incident occurred at the Symrise chemical plant in Brunswick, Georgia. An industrial fire and explosions prompted evacuations and shelter-in-place orders for residents in the Southeast Georgia areas of Hickory Bluff and Sanctuary Cove. The main chemical involved was hydrogen peroxide pinene, commonly used in fragrances.

Emergency declaration

On Saturday, April 15, 2023, a fire broke out at the Pinova plant in Brunswick, Georgia. The plant delivers specialty rosin and polyterpene resins. The fire was initially contained, and the Glynn County Board of Commissioners assured the public that there was no immediate concern for their safety. However, the fire reignited in the afternoon, prompting a shelter-in-place order for a one-mile radius around the plant.

In light of the situation, Brunswick Mayor Cosby Johnson issued an emergency declaration for the coastal city. The mayor explained that the extent of the fire and the direction of the wind were uncertain, and it was deemed best to alert the entire city. The emergency declaration was in effect until 8 a.m. the following day, Sunday, when all evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were lifted as the blaze was extinguished.

The Pinova plant fire caused concern and precautionary measures to be taken. The origin of the fire was unknown as of Saturday night, and officials worked to address the situation and ensure the safety of those in the area. The city also opened a shelter for those who had evacuated their homes. The swift response and collaboration with nearby cities and counties, including Jekyll Island, Savannah, Wayne County in Georgia, and Jacksonville in Florida, were crucial in managing the emergency.

Open burning regulations

As of July 1, 2021, the Georgia outdoor burning requirements changed to no longer require a permit for burning hand-piled natural vegetation and yard debris, such as leaves and limbs. However, Glynn County residents must adhere to five key practices when burning yard debris:

• Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet between the burn pile and any existing brush or woodlands.
• Ensure your burn pile is at least 50 feet away from any structures, including homes, barns, and sheds.
• Only burn between sunrise and sunset. No burning is allowed at night.
• Ensure that someone of legal age attends the fire at all times. Have a reliable water source readily available to extinguish the fire if necessary.
• Take reasonable precautions before starting the fire. For example, ensure the fire will be contained and does not exceed a size that cannot be quickly extinguished.

When clearing land, residents must contact the Glynn County Fire Prevention Division to inspect the site and authorize the use of an Air Curtain Destructor (ACD). If burning is approved, regulations, inspection requirements, and operational guidelines will be provided. Burning can start at 10:00 a.m. but must be extinguished by dark, and someone must be present with the fire at all times.

Warming and cooking fires are permitted in Glynn County, except on beaches. These fires must be made with naturally grown wood or charcoal and have people around them. Additionally, Glynn County Fire-Rescue and Georgia Forestry may issue a ban on any burning in the county due to weather conditions.

The role of the Fire Marshal's Office

The Brunswick Fire Marshal's Office consists of five sections: Fire Inspections, Public Education, Training, Plan Reviews, and Fire Investigations. These sections work together to prevent fires and protect the citizens of Brunswick.

Fire Inspections: This section is responsible for conducting routine inspections of buildings and premises to ensure compliance with relevant fire codes and regulations. They work closely with fire inspectors to identify fire hazards, ensure the proper functioning of fire safety equipment, and educate occupants on fire safety practices.

Public Education: The Fire Marshal's Office plays a crucial role in educating the public about fire safety. They organise community events, distribute informational materials, and utilise media platforms to promote fire prevention techniques, emergency preparedness, and the safe practices of fire protection services.

Training: The office provides training programs and resources to firefighters, first responders, and community members. These training sessions cover various topics, including fire prevention, structural building codes, fire suppression techniques, operating alarm systems, and emergency response procedures.

Plan Reviews: The Fire Marshal's Office reviews and approves construction plans for new buildings and renovations to ensure they meet fire safety standards and regulations. They work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to incorporate fire protection features into building designs, such as fire sprinkler systems, emergency exits, and fire-resistant materials.

Fire Investigations: A critical aspect of the Fire Marshal's role is investigating the origin and cause of fires, especially in cases of suspected arson. They work closely with law enforcement, collecting and analysing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assisting in the prosecution of arson-related crimes. Their investigations help identify trends, improve fire safety protocols, and provide valuable insights for builders, regulators, and the community.

Frequently asked questions