Allegheny County 911 dispatchers said a truck fire in a McKees Rocks alley was complicated by a chemical explosion on Monday afternoon.
The fire, reported in the rear of the 1500 block of Poplar Street shortly before 2 p.m., ignited a small amount of magnesium apparently used in some parts of the truck's steering column.
Although magnesium can burn hot and bright when enough heat is applied or the pieces are small enough -- making its powdered form useful in things like flares and fire-starters -- the metallic element is sometimes used in auto parts for its light weight and durability.
Fighting a magnesium fire with water, however, can accelerate the fire because of how the metal reacts to it, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
No one was injured, and the fire was limited to one alarm, dispatchers said.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
