Army Investigates 21 Fires At Umatilla Chemical Depot
Sweating Propellant Is Likely Cause







HERMISTON, Ore. -- A series of fires at the Umatilla Chemical Depot incinerator likely were caused by beads of nitroglycerin "sweating" from rocket propellant.

depot The Army says its investigation into 21 fires at Umatilla and other chemical weapons incinerators found no definite cause.

The Army started investigating after fires broke out when rockets were cut up for disposal at the incinerator near Hermiston. No one was hurt, but incineration work at the plant was stopped for weeks.

The propellant is about 24 percent nitroglycerin, which can work its way to the surface of the rocket casing.

The nation's aging stockpile of deadly nerve gas and other chemical weapons are being destroyed at the incinerators in Hermiston and other locations.


2/24/2006