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Elizabethtown firefighters extinguish fire at Specialty Product Technologies

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 21:02 GMT by WECT
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Elizabethtown Firefighters Quickly Quell Blaze at Specialty Product Technologies Facility

Elizabethtown, Ky. – A sharp‑spreading fire that ignited early this afternoon at the Specialty Product Technologies (SPT) warehouse on County Line Road was brought under control within minutes, thanks to the rapid response and modern equipment of the Elizabethtown Fire Department (EFD). The blaze, which erupted in the 2 a.m. hours of September 1, caused only minor property damage and left no injuries, officials confirmed.

How the Fire Started

According to a preliminary report released by the EFD, the fire broke out in a storage area used for heat‑sensitive electronic components. While investigators are still determining the exact cause, initial evidence suggests a short circuit in one of the industrial‑grade electrical panels. “We have found no signs of external arson or deliberate sabotage,” Chief Michael “Mikey” Dugan said in a brief statement to the media. “It appears to be a mechanical failure that was quickly detected by our alarm system.”

SPT is a regional supplier of cutting‑edge industrial coatings and protective films used in aerospace, medical devices, and automotive manufacturing. The company’s website highlights its “advanced formulations” and “high‑performance protection solutions” that safeguard equipment against corrosion, heat, and environmental stress. The fire, occurring in a warehouse that stores bulk quantities of these specialty products, could have escalated into a much larger disaster given the highly flammable nature of some of the chemicals involved.

Rapid Response and Advanced Suppression Techniques

When the fire alarm sounded, EFD units were dispatched to the scene within two minutes. Firefighters arrived in a fully‑equipped truck that carried a state‑of‑the‑art water‑mist system, a foam generator, and a portable dry‑chemical fire suppression unit. “We’ve invested in technology that allows us to control the fire quickly and reduce the risk to our crew and to the surrounding properties,” Dugan explained.

The team first used the water‑mist system to dampen the heat and limit oxygen access to the flames. Simultaneously, the foam generator was deployed to cover the bulk storage barrels, creating a barrier that prevented vapor release. “The combination of mist and foam gave us the advantage of tackling both the heat and the volatile compounds,” said Officer Lisa Patel, who was on the scene. “We were able to contain the blaze before it could spread to the adjacent loading dock.”

The use of a dry‑chemical suppression system was also a critical factor. SPT’s product line includes a proprietary “Heat‑Shield” coating that is flammable under extreme temperatures. While the coating itself is non‑combustible, the underlying plastic and metal parts can ignite. The dry‑chemical system neutralized these components, preventing a secondary explosion. “The specialized chemicals we use in the field are now being used to put out a fire involving those same chemicals,” Patel added.

Damage and Aftermath

Initial damage estimates put the cost at roughly $30,000, largely due to loss of inventory and cleanup expenses. The warehouse’s structural integrity was not compromised, and no fire‑fighting equipment was destroyed. The company’s CEO, Maria Alvarez, praised the firefighters’ swift action. “We’re incredibly grateful for the professionalism of the Elizabethtown crew,” she said. “Their use of modern suppression techniques prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss for both our business and the community.”

A fire inspection board, comprising representatives from the Kentucky Department of Fire Safety and the local health department, will conduct a thorough investigation. While the cause remains undetermined, the board will review the warehouse’s compliance with fire codes, especially concerning the storage of specialty coatings and protective films.

Community Impact and Future Preparedness

The incident underscores the importance of advanced fire suppression technologies in protecting specialized industrial facilities. “SPT’s products are integral to many critical industries,” said Dugan. “Ensuring that our fire department is equipped to handle the unique hazards they present is a priority.”

In response, the EFD has announced plans to upgrade its equipment inventory further. The department is exploring the acquisition of a second‑generation foam system designed for chemical‑hazard facilities, as well as additional training modules for firefighters on handling specialty product fires. The city council has allocated $200,000 toward a new fire suppression grant that will support these enhancements.

A Broader Perspective

The Elizabethtown blaze is part of a broader trend of industrial fires that involve specialty products. According to a recent report from the National Fire Protection Association, the rate of chemical‑related incidents has risen by 12% over the past decade. Companies that rely on advanced coatings, composites, and electronic materials often store large volumes of flammable substances, increasing the risk of fire.

Specialty Product Technologies is not alone in this risk. Other manufacturers of aerospace composites and medical device coatings have recently faced similar incidents, prompting the industry to adopt stricter fire safety protocols. Many now use integrated suppression systems that combine mist, foam, and dry‑chemical agents—just as the EFD team did in Elizabethtown.

Looking Forward

As the investigation proceeds, the community remains hopeful that lessons learned from this incident will translate into stronger safety measures. The Elizabethtown Fire Department’s quick and sophisticated response has set a benchmark for how local agencies can handle high‑risk industrial fires.

“Today’s success is a testament to the training, technology, and teamwork we invest in,” Dugan concluded. “Our goal is always to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people who rely on our services. We will continue to enhance our capabilities so we’re ready for whatever challenges come our way.”

For more information on the investigation and the company’s product line, readers can visit the Specialty Product Technologies website and the Kentucky Department of Fire Safety’s public safety portal.