Springfield Fire Department responds to blaze, explosion at city's Southwest Water Treatment Plant

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

Springfield Fire Department crews responded around 4 p.m. to an incident at the City’s Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Two contract workers were transported with what is believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, following a low order explosion with flash fire. 

The explosion and fire caused damage to, and partial collapse of a structure called a digester. The incident remains under investigation by a Springfield Fire Marshal. 

Digesters are used to stabilize the solids that are removed from the wastewater during treatment. There is no disruption in service because staff have been able to isolate this portion of the treatment process.