The licensee facility experienced a large fire on 08/27/09 starting at approximately 0500. The facility involved houses 4 devices containing radioactive materials. These devices are used for process control. Three (3) of the devices contain 200 milliCuries of
Cs-137 (
Texas Nuclear Model #5202) and one device contains 100 milliCuries of
Cs-137 (
Texas Nuclear Model #7062BP). Currently the floors that contain the devices are believed to be intact. This however may change as the condition of the building degrades. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is currently not allowing anyone into the facility due to the treacherous conditions. It is not known when the licensee will be able to determine the integrity of the sources.
The Logan County, West Virginia Fire Department is responding to the fire, are aware of the sources, and are wearing appropriate personnel protective equipment. The firefighters have been using a Geiger counter to ensure radiological safety. Initial surveys of firefighters that entered the building were negative.
The source of the fire is still under investigation, but the licensee does not believe the fire to be suspicious in nature.