California Statewide Fire Summary - Wednesday, August 12, 2015

California Statewide Fire Summary

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

16 active wildfires continue to burn in California, with more than 11,000 firefighters battling them. While yesterday crews made progress on several fires, the fast moving Jerusalem Fire continues to burn as tinder dry conditions fuel the fire.

Gusty winds are expected to continue across many parts of Northern California. The National Weather Service has issued a “Fire Weather Watch” along the Northern Sierra from the Tahoe Basin up to Modoc County as strong winds and low humidity will elevate the fire danger.

While temperatures this past week have been relatively mild, it’s the gusty winds and the dry conditions that continue to allow wildfires to grow rapidly. CAL FIRE is urging the public to be cautious outdoors. Even a single spark can quickly ignite into a wildfire and cause major damage. One Less Spark means One Less Wildfire. Learn more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

Fires of Interest:

 **CAL FIRE Incidents**

Jerusalem Fire, Lake & Napa Counties (more info…)

Jerusalem Grade Road northeast of Middleton

*16,500 acres – 6% contained

*Evacuations in effect

Anza Fire, Riverside County (more info…)

Off Hwy 74, east of Hwy 371 in Anza

*450 acres – 50% contained

*All evacuations lifted

Rocky Fire, Lake, Colusa & Yolo County (more info…)

East of Lower Lake

*69,636 acres – 88% contained

*All evacuations have been lifted

Humboldt Lightning Fires, Humboldt County (more info…)

Throughout Humboldt County

*75 fires totaling 4,696 acres – 60% contained

Lowell Fire, Nevada County (more info…)

You Bet area, west of Alta

*2,304 acres – 95% contained

**Unified Command Incidents**

Fork Complex, Trinity County (more info…)

US Forest Service – Shasta-Trinity National Forest / CAL FIRE

Near the Hayfork area

*26,033 acres – 24% contained

**Federal Incidents**

River Complex, Trinity County (more info…)

US Forest Service – Shasta-Trinity National Forest

New River Drainage, near Denny

*23,775 acres – 12% contained

South Complex, Trinity County (more info…)

US Forest Service – Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Near Hyampom, south of Hwy 299

*15,331 acres – 13% contained

Route Complex, Humboldt & Trinity County (more info…)

US Forest Service – Six Rivers National Forest

West of Hyampom

*25,788 acres – 19% contained

Mad River Complex, Trinity County (more info…)

US Forest Service – Six Rivers National Forest

Near Ruth Lake

*20,525 acres – 40% contained

Dodge Fire, Lassen County (more info…)

Bureau of Land Management – Northern California District

*10,570 acres – 75% contained

Nickowitz Fire, Del Norte County (more info…)

U.S. Forest Service – Six Rivers National Forest

*1,227 acres – 40% contained

Gasquet Complex, Del Norte County (more info…)

U.S. Forest Service – Six Rivers National Forest

on the Gasquet Ranger District

*9 fires totaling 2,626 acres – 22% containment

Cabin Fire, Tulare County (more info…)

US Forest Service - Sequoia National Forest

8 miles northeast of Camp Nelson

*6,318 acres – 96% contained

Rough Fire, Fresno County (more info…)

US Forest Service - Sierra National Forest

2 miles north of the Kings Wild and Scenic River

*6,831 acres – 0% contained

Willow Fire, Madera County (more info…)

US Forest Service - Sierra National Forest

Southeast of Bass Lake

*5,702 acres – 98% contained

Chorro Fire, Ventura County (more info…)

U.S. Forest Service – Los Padres National Forest

North of Ojai

*282 acres – 100% contained

Washington Fire, Alpine County (more info…) 

US Forest Service – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

South of Markleeville

*17,790 acres – 99% contained

* The Washington Fire is expected to remain 99% for an extended period of time. This fire will be removed from the active fires list.

WAR&BUFFET’S BNSF RAILWAY FINED $86,000 FOR PLACING CREOSOTE-TREATED RAILROAD TIES IN WATER BODIES IN WASHINGTON STATE

Originally published August 11, 2015



The Washington State Department of Ecology has fined BNSF Railway $86,000 for placing creosote-treated railroad ties and other materials from maintenance projects in Whatcom and Skagit county water bodies.


The Associated Press

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — 

The Washington State Department of Ecology has fined BNSF Railway $86,000 for placing creosote-treated railroad ties and other materials from maintenance projects in Whatcom and Skagit county water bodies.

The department’s water quality program manager, Heather Bartlett, said Tuesday that BNSF has “repeatedly disregarded water quality protection.”

The fine is over four BNSF projects done from 2013 to early this year. Officials say the company left creosote pilings in Chuckanut Bay, put newly treated railroad ties along wetlands in Burlington, and placed debris and ties in an area that floods seasonally and drains into Bellingham Bay.

Creosote is a preservative that is toxic to aquatic life, and the state says it has spent millions of dollars removing it from waterways.


BNSF can appeal. Spokesman Gus Melonas said the company is reviewing the fine, takes environmental protection seriously and fixed the problems cited by Ecology.  War&Buffet offered free coke to the impacted wildlife, knowing that they only drink water.

Pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, from a total of 238 sightings in all of 2014, to more than 650 by August 9 of this year

August 12, 2015

Pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, from a total of 238 sightings in all of 2014, to more than 650 by August 9 of this year. The FAA wants to send out a clear message that operating drones around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized operators may be subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time.

Pilots of a variety of different types of aircraft – including many large, commercial air carriers – reported spotting 16 unmanned aircraft in June of 2014, and 36 the following month. This year, 138 pilots reported seeing drones at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet during the month of June, and another 137 in July.

Meanwhile, firefighters battling wildfire blazes in the western part of the country have been forced to ground their operations on several occasions for safety reasons when they spotted one or more unmanned aircraft in their immediate vicinity.

The FAA will continue to work closely with industry partners through the “Know Before You Fly” campaign to educate unmanned aircraft users about where they can operate within the rules. The agency is also supporting the National Interagency Fire Center’s “If You Fly, We Can’t” efforts to help reduce interference with firefighting operations.

However, the FAA also is working closely with the law enforcement community to identify and investigate unauthorized unmanned aircraft operations. The FAA has levied civil penalties for a number of unauthorized flights in various parts of the country, and has dozens of open enforcement cases.

The FAA encourages the public to report unauthorized drone operations to local law enforcement and to help discourage this dangerous, illegal activity.

YOUNG WOMAN KILLED IN HIGH-SPEED ATV CRASH IN ALAKANUK, ALASKA AFTER SHE COLLIDED WITH METAL SHIPPING CONTAINER

By Makayla Clark  

 

August 12, 2015

 

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
 
A 21-year-old Alakanuk resident died as the result of an ATV crash on Tuesday night, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Their investigation revealed that Cecila Chikigak was traveling at a high rate of speed on a roadway near the Alakanuk city office, an online dispatch said.

She reportedly collided with a metal shipping container and was thrown from her ATV. Troopers said she died on impact.

Chikigak’s next of kin has been notified, the dispatch said. Her body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

1 WRONG-WAY DRIVER IS KILLED AFTER HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH SEMI-TRUCK ON I-49 IN MISSOURI

AUGUST 11, 2015 

CASS COUNTY, Mo. — 

Authorities say one person has died from a wrong way accident on Interstate 49.

According to the Cass County Sherriff’s Department, I-49 was completely shut down between Belton and Peculiar due to a fatal accident on Tuesday. Shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday the highway reopened.

The Missouri Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, which took place between a tractor trailer and a pickup truck.

Authorities say the pickup truck was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of traffic, when a semi-truck, which was traveling northbound, struck the wrong-way driver who died as a result. 

So far there is no word on the condition of the truck driver.

Assessing Safety and Health Hazards to Workers in Oil and Gas Extraction: NIOSH wants to study vehicle crashes in oil and gas industry

August 11, 2015 

Atlanta, Georgia 

NIOSH is proposing a survey to assess factors associated with motor vehicle crashes among oil and gas extraction workers.

The three-year project would involve distributing a questionnaire on general safety and health concerns to about 625 oil and gas extraction workers in Texas, North Dakota and a state in the Appalachian Basin. Workers who drive as part of their job would receive additional questions about their driving environment and behaviors.

Fifty Percent of all oilfield vehicle crashes occur in pick-up trucks. 

What mode of transportation do you commute in daily to reach the well site or pipeline?




Fatigue is one of the leading causes of injury in the industry due to the long hours and stress related to the type of work we all perform on a daily basis. I met a young man about seven months ago that fell asleep behind the wheel in route to the well in a company pick-up. He woke up being airlifted to a trauma center because he crossed over the grass median on a rural highway and hit a semi head on and lived to tell his story.

 Six years later he is still recovering, unable to work, and still trying to raise a family. Fortunately for him his wife went back to school and is the main financial source for the family. 




We already covered the first fifty percent of oilfield vehicle crashes, what about the other fifty percent? If you guessed Commercial Motor Vehicles you are correct. 




Most Drivers are working thirteen to fifteen hours a day depending on what Oilfield Rule Set you fall under and it will take a toll on your body. Mix in the current summer heat, humidity, and inclement weather and you’re in for the long haul to the get the job done. 




What about driving on an unfamiliar two lane road with no shoulder and throw in some livestock or wildlife crossing the roadway? There is no shame in reducing your speed for conditions. 




Most rural roads used to access the wells are not originally designed for the large commercial vehicle traffic that supports the Oil and Gas Industry.

In addition to determining on- and off-duty factors that could contribute to motor vehicle crashes, the study aims to identify other safety and health concerns extraction workers may face. Results from the study will be used as a guide in the development of interventions and future research to improve oil and gas workers’ safety and health.

Of the 82 extraction workers killed in 2013, more than one-quarter died in transportation incidents, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The proposal was published in the July 10 Federal Register. Comments are due Sept. 8. 









PROPOSED PROJECT




Assessing Safety and Health Hazards to Workers in Oil and Gas Extraction: A Survey—New—Information Collection Request—National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


Background and Brief Description

The mission of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is to promote safety and health at work for all people through research and prevention. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Act, 91 (section 20[a] [1]), authorizes NIOSH to conduct research to advance the health and safety of workers. NIOSH is proposing a three year study to conduct a survey questionnaire of 500 land-based oil and gas (O&G) extraction workers in 3 U.S. states (Texas, North Dakota, and a state in the Appalachian Basin) to examine safety and health issues and concerns of this workforce. 

Workers who drive as a part of their work duties will be asked to complete an additional set of questions about their driving environment and behaviors. We expect a response rate of 80%, so it is estimated that we will approach 625 workers in order to have 500 workers complete the survey.

The goals of this study are (1) To determine on-duty and off-duty factors that contribute to motor vehicle crashes, injuries and illness among U.S. land-based O&G extraction workers and (2) To identify other safety and health needs and concerns of U.S. land-based O&G extraction workers, a largely non-unionized workforce. 

The results of this study will guide the development of evidence-based and priority interventions and future research in the O&G extraction industry that will improve the safety and health of O&G workers.

Administration of the survey questionnaire will occur at temporary modular lodging facilities (‘man camps’), training centers, equipment/trucking yards, well sites, and community centers in oilfield towns. A screening questionnaire, “Module 1: Screening” will be administered to 313 workers per year (for 2 years) to determine that the worker is eligible for the survey. This questionnaire will take about 5 minutes. 

NIOSH anticipates that up to 63 workers per year (20% of screened workers) will be eligible but not interested in participating in this study. These workers will be asked to complete a brief, 6-question “Non-Respondent Questionnaire”, which will take about 5 minutes. Approximately 250 workers per year (for 2 years) will be eligible and agree to participate in the study (80% response rate). 

These workers will complete “Module 2: General,” “Module 3: Well-site work,” and “Module 5: Closing Questions” (approximately 225 workers will use the tablet version and 25 will opt to use the hardcopy version). “Module 5: Closing Questions” includes a brief interview with program staff. The questionnaire and interview will take approximately 40 minutes to complete for workers using the tablet, or 50 minutes for those using the hardcopy version. Workers who drive a company vehicle will also be asked to complete “Module 4: Motor Vehicle.” 

An estimated 75% of the workers will complete the driving portion of the survey (187 workers). This module will take approximately 10 additional minutes to complete for those using the tablet (approximately 168 workers per year), or 20 minutes for those completing the hardcopy version (19 workers per year). The total estimated burden hours are 236. There is no cost to respondents other than their time.

WORKER DROWNED IN AN OXIDATION DITCH WITHIN THE BELLE PLAINE, MINNESOTA WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

 

 

Accident at Wastewater Treatment Plant Takes Life of Jerry Connolly

Connolly Worked for City for 23 Years

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 9:40 AM

Belle Plaine Public Works employee Jerry Connolly was found dead last Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 5) at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Investigators believe he drowned in an oxidation ditch within the plant facility, according to Belle Plaine Police Chief Tom Stolee.

Police and staff from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were at the plant on Union Trail (County Road 6) Thursday conducting a preliminary investigation, trying to determine how Connolly entered the ditch  in the center of the facility grounds, just northeast of the building.

The report will indicate if safety measures failed, said City Administrator Holly Kreft. The inquiry also includes an autopsy by the Hennepin County medical examiner.

Kreft said the preliminary OSHA report indicates no problem with the facility’s safety systems. The final autopsy report is due late this month, Kreft said.
“We are all very saddened with this unfortunate accident and the loss of a longtime city employee and friend to all,” Stolee said.

Investigators are not certain when Connolly fell into the ditch, Kreft said. Connolly interacted with co-workers during the lunch hour Wednesday. Members of city staff did not see him that afternoon until his body was found at 5:05 p.m., she said.

His body was found in 16 feet of water, Kreft said.


‘Always a Smile’
“We’re very sad,” she said Thursday afternoon. “Jerry was a wonderful man and great employee. He always had a smile on his face and usually a chuckle.”

Connolly typically spent his workday at the plant. He worked alone unless a task required the assistance of a co-worker or he needed to leave the facility for a job-related reason, Kreft said.

Connolly, 56, had been with the City of Belle Plaine for 23 years. He worked as the wastewater treatment plant’s licensed facility operator since 2009. He managed the plant from 2002 to 2009 before earning his operator’s license, working with a licensed operator as needed, Kreft said.

Before being assigned to the wastewater treatment facility, Connolly worked for Belle Plaine Public Works on street and park maintenance crew.

Connolly is survived by his wife, Debra. They have two children, Brad and his wife, Amanda, and Kassie and her husband, Brady. Funeral services were Monday at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church. The Visitation was Sunday at Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine. Internment was in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

“He was incredibly proud of his family,” Kreft said. “He will be deeply missed.”

3 Workers with Greeley, CO-based Mundt Energy Services Are In Critical Condition Following Welding-Caused Explosion at a Site owned by Kaiser Francis oil By Leigh Paterson

 

3 Workers with Greeley, CO-based Mundt Energy Services Are In Critical Condition Following Welding-Caused Explosion at a Site owned by Kaiser Francis oil By Leigh Paterson

August 11, 2015
 

Three workers are in critical condition after an explosion and fire at an oil facility Monday outside of Cheyenne, WY.


According to Lori Hogan, the public information officer for the Laramie County Fire District No. 2, the workers have burns on their faces, arms, and torsos, covering between 20 and 30 percent of their bodies. Their names have not been released.

One was airlifted to the Western States Burn Center in Greeley Colorado. The other two were first taken to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and then were airlifted to Greeley as well. All three are employees of Greeley-based Mundt Energy Services, but they were working at a site owned by Kaiser Francis oil. 


Two were pressure-washing an oil tank, and the third was welding when the explosion occurred. It was extinguished by the time rescue workers arrived. Inspectors from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident. 

Hogan said the blaze happened at a facility owned by the Tulsa, Okla.-based Kaiser-Francis Oil Company. The site is about 15 miles northeast of Cheyenne, about one mile south on U.S. 85 on Laramie County Road 135.



//-----------------///

AUGUST 11, 2015

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — 

The three welders who suffered severe burns in a flash fire that erupted at an oil and gas facility northeast of Cheyenne were in Greeley on Tuesday receiving treatment at North Colorado Medical Center.

The unidentified men were working on Kaiser-Francis Oil Co. equipment when natural gas left in the system exploded and started the blaze Monday morning.

Laramie County Fire District 2 operations chief Manny Muzquiz said burns covered up to 30 percent of the victims’ bodies.

One man was transported immediately by helicopter to the Western States Burn Center at NCMC. The other two were initially taken by ambulance to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, before being flown to NCMC, according to the Wyoming Business Report.

Officials form the Laramie County Fire Department, along with inspectors from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, spokeswoman Hayley McKee told the Business Report.

“The OSHA inspectors are also gathering their own evidence and will interview any available witnesses,” McKee said. “Any evidence that has been gathered will be considered. The inspectors will then sort through all of the evidence and interviews and reconstruct the accident.”

The facility where the incident occurred is about a mile south of U.S. 85 on Laramie County Road 135, northeast of Cheyenne.

Attempts to reach officials at the company headquarters in Tulsa, Okla., for an update on the condition of the men were unsuccessful on Tuesday. Local fire officials also said they had no information.

KAISER-FRANCIS OIL COMPANY Company Profile

King of the Tulsa oil patch, oil and gas exploration and production independent Kaiser-Francis Oil Company buys, sells, and develops oil and gas properties, primarily in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The company teamed up with fellow Tulsa-based energy firm SemGas LP to help build the Wyckoff Gas Storage facility (5.1 billion cu. ft. of working gas storage) in Steuben County, New York. Tulsa billionaire George Kaiser owns and manages Kaiser-Francis Oil through GBK Corporation.

The man whose body was found at a construction site at the Equipo Academy charter school in Las Vegas, NV earlier this month died from a fall

Equipo Academy, 4131 Bonanza Road, is seen on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015. (Eric Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal) Follow him @Erik_Verduzco


By Kimberly De La Cruz
Las Vegas Review-Journal

The man whose body was found at an east Las Vegas Valley construction site earlier this month died from a fall, the Clark County coroner's office said Wednesday.

His death is being probed by Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators.

Las Vegas resident Porfirio Gonzalez-Huerta, 49, was found dead at the site, 4131 E. Bonanza Road, near the intersection of Sandhill Road, about 11 a.m. Aug. 3. That is the address of the Equipo Academy charter school, which is scheduled to open later this month, according to its website.

OSHA spokeswoman Teri Williams said details on the investigation might not be available for months.

MASSIVE FIRE AND NUMEROUS EXPLOSIONS AFTER 2 SEMI-TRUCKS COLLIDE ON NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE IN EAST BRUNSWICK

 


Video courtesy Joe Martucci






AUGUST 12, 2015

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. (WABC) -- 

A collision between two tractor-trailers has shut down part of the New Jersey Turnpike in East Brunswick.

The fiery crash occurred just after 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Authorities say one tractor-trailer was carrying papers, while the second truck had medical supplies. The material was non-hazardous.






A fiery crash involving two tractor-trailers shut down the New Jersey Turnpike near Exit 9 in East Brunswick Wednesday night. (Photo courtesy Joe Martucci.)

The Turnpike is shut down near exit 9 northbound.

New Jersey State Police say there were minor injuries to drivers.

East River ferry makes hard landing at Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan

 

 

AUGUST 12, 2015 

NEW YORK, NY -- 

 

An East River ferry made a hard landing Wednesday evening on Lower Manhattan.

According to NY Waterway, a ferry with 36 passengers bumped Pier 11 at Wall Street at 5:45 p.m.

A ferry spokesman says 35 passengers walked away. One woman waited for EMS and was treated on-scene.

There was no damage to the pier or the boat and service has resumed.

The captain of the ferry is speaking with police.

Initial reports from EMS were that six people suffered minor injuries.

Four refused medical attention at the scene, while two were taken to New York Downtown Hospital.

9 more sites in South Bronx test positive for Legionella

By Mike Waterhouse

 

AUGUST 12, 2015

 

SOUTH BRONX, N.Y. (WABC) -- 

 

Nine more sites, including three more in the "impact zone," have tested positive for Legionella bacteria in the South Bronx.

New York City health officials on Wednesday said a total of 20 sites have now tested positive for the bacteria, with 14 of them in the area where most of the cases have originated.

There have been 119 cases of human infection of Legionnaires' disease in the South Bronx. Out of those, 12 people have died.

Wednesday marked the ninth straight day of no new cases being reported. City officials said they believe the spread of the disease is tapering off since cooling towers where the bacteria were found have been cleaned.

Here are the three new places within the impact zone that tested positive for the bacteria:
- Chris' Super Deli, 903 Sheridan Avenue
- Pyramid Safe Haven, 470 E161st Street
- Conway Store, 2952-4 3rd Avenue

The city said each of these sites has either been disinfected or is in the process of being cleaned.


These are the other sites in the impact zone where Legionella was found, and have since been cleaned:

- Concourse Plaza, 198 E. 161st. St.
- Opera House Hotel, 436 E. 149 St.
- Lincoln Hospital, 234 E. 149th St.
- Streamline Plastics, 2950 Park Ave.
- Daughters of Jacob Nursing Home, 1160 Teller Ave.
- Post Office, 558 Grand Concourse
- Verizon, 117 E. 167th St.
- Bronx Housing Courts, 1118 Grand Concourse
- NYC Department of Education 455 Southern Boulevard. Also called Samuel Gompers High School.
- DHS PATH Intake Center, 151 East 151st Street.
- Bronx Hall of Justice, 245 E 161ST Street

And these are the six sites outside of the impact zone in the South Bronx that have been disinfected:

- Verizon, 1106 Hoe Ave.
- Police Dept., 1086 Simpson St.
- Wildcat Academy, 1201 Lafayette Ave.
- 230 East 123rd St.
- St. Barnabas Nursing Home, 2175 Quarry Rd.
- St. Barnabas Hospital, 4422 3rd Avenue

The city said these sites are not necessarily related to the outbreak in the South Bronx.


Last week, Health Commission Dr. Mary Bassett issued an order for mandatory testing of cooling towers across the city.

Bassett said she and other health officials believe the cooling towers were the source of the outbreak, which is the largest in the city's history. They believe the people who contracted the disease breathed mist that was expelled from the infected towers.

Stay with Eyewitness News for the latest on this ongoing story.

CHINA HAS SAFETY ISSUES: Huge explosions in China's Tianjin port area at least kill 17, injure more than 400

 AUGUST 12, 2015

By Kazunori Takada

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Two massive explosions caused by flammable goods ripped through an industrial area in the northeast Chinese port city of Tianjin late on Wednesday, killing 17 people and injuring around 400, official Chinese media reported.

President Xi Jinping demanded that authorities quickly extinguish the fire caused by the blasts and "make full effort to rescue and treat the injured and ensure the safety of people and their property", China Central Television (CCTV) said on its official microblog.

CCTV said the blasts erupted in a shipment of explosives at around 11:30 p.m. local time (1530 GMT), triggering a blast wave that was felt kilometres (miles) away. The second blast came roughly 30 seconds after the first, state media said.

The official People's Daily newspaper said the death toll was 17 while other state media said three firefighters were among the dead. The official Xinhua news agency said around 400 were hurt.

Video posted on YouTube from what appeared to be an apartment building some distance from the scene showed fire shooting into the night sky from the initial blast when the second, much bigger, explosion rocked the area, sending a huge fireball into the air.

Seconds later, shockwaves hit the apartment building, causing panic among the occupants inside.

Pictures posted on Chinese media websites showed a cloud of dust towering above buildings near the scene. Residents and workers, some bleeding, could be seen fleeing.

Canadian teacher Monica Andrews told the BBC that she awoke in panic after what she thought was an earthquake.

"I ... looked out the window and the sky was red ... I just watched a second explosion go off and (it was) just pure chaos, everyone leaving their apartment buildings thinking it's an earthquake, cars trying to leave the complex and ... it was crazy the amount of light that this explosion and fire lit up," she said.

Xinhua said the explosions had ripped through a warehouse storing "dangerous goods". The first explosion was equivalent to 3 tonnes of TNT and the second blast 21 tonnes of TNT, it said.

 

Residents in nearby areas said the blasts had shattered windows in buildings, it reported.

Citing a local hospital, Xinhua said people had been hurt by broken glass and stones and some were seriously wounded.

CCTV said on its website about 100 fire trucks had been sent to the scene.
Tianjin is home to around 15 million people, making it one of the biggest cities in China. It is also home to one of the country's biggest ports.

Industrial accidents are not uncommon in China following three decades of breakneck economic growth. A blast at an auto parts factory in eastern China killed 75 people a year ago when a room filled with metal dust exploded.