Fire at Detroit Salt Company Rekindles after Firefighters Leave

The Detroit Salt Company has shut down following two fires early Thursday morning, according to city officials.

At around 1:15 a.m., the fire department received an initial call regarding a fire at the Detroit Salt Company, which owns and operates the state's only rock salt mine, said Corey McIsaac, director of media relations. Upon arrival, crews found a blaze in the building and all occupants out.

The fire was extinguished and the department cleared, but about half an hour later, at around 3 a.m., they were called back for what officials described as a "rekindle," or flames restarting. Department officials said a rekindle is common for a larger scene.

Crews responded and put out the restarted fire, and all occupants were out before their arrival, McIsaac said.

The fire was in a building above ground, not in the mines, McIsaac said. There were no injuries in either fire.

Hazmat crews responded to monitor air quality for first responders and deemed it was deemed safe, according to the department. The second hazmat crew also responded to standby due to hazardous materials stored in the building, which were away from the area of the fire.

During or after the second fire, the company shut down mining operations for the shift they were on due to air quality concerns for their employees, McIsaac said.

Reached Thursday, company representatives declined to comment or say when operations would resume.

City crews have responded to multiple fires recently.

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