MPP Arnott Congratulates Fire Service and
Municipalities for Response to Crompton Fire

Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott spoke in the Ontario Legislature on June 14, 2004 about the explosion and fire at the Crompton Plant in Elmira. He said the following:

Mr. Speaker, I want to inform the House about an explosion and fire at the Crompton Plant that happened last Friday morning in Elmira, and I’m doing so in order to express my gratitude and appreciation for the rapid and effective response by the municipal officials from the Township of Woolwich and the Region of Waterloo.

While en route to Toronto on Friday morning, I was informed of the incident. Apparently, according to published reports a wastewater tank exploded and burst into flames at approximately twenty after eight that morning.

The initial reports I received from the Minister’s office indicated that our local officials had the situation well under control. I insisted on speaking with the Minister of Environment to ensure that she would be fully briefed on the situation and if necessary be in a position to take appropriate action.

From the information currently available, it appears that the entire emergency response system worked very well. The town siren warned the residents that they were on high alert, then a phone call went out to all residents asking that they stay inside, keep their windows closed and listen to the radio for further reports.

When I arrived at the plant in the afternoon, I was very relieved to know that the situation had stabilized and everyone was safe. For that I thank the 75 firefighters from the stations in Elmira, St. Jacobs and Floradale who worked through the morning with Crompton’s own fire brigade. The Kitchener Fire Department provided backup.

I must tell this House that those Township fire fighters are volunteer fire fighters and I commend Chief Earl Wideman and his crews on a job well done. I want to acknowledge the role the Ministry of Environment who deployed the mobile T.A.G.A. unit. T.A.G.A. stands for Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer, and it was on the scene to ensure that our air was safe to breathe.

The Township of Woolwich Mayor Bill Strauss and Township staff responded superbly, and I want the House to be aware of their extraordinary leadership and of how they rose to the occasion to ensure that residents in Elmira were protected and were safe.