That's
why they've ordered destruction of nerve gas-bearing rockets suspended until
satisfactory explanations for some recent fires are found.
The third fire involving an
M55 GB Sarin rocket at the plant has drawn the full attention of state officials
and that of other weapons incinerating installations around the country. No injuries or chemical escapes
into the atmosphere have occurred at the depot. But even though safety and
containment systems have proved adequate, the series of fires remains troubling.
Oregon officials say the first
and second fires could be seen as merely unusual occurrences, but now, with
three, the shutdown of the rocket destruction part of the operation seems
a prudent response to what now looks to be more than coincidence.